Plastering and Pointing

1. See that all joints are thoroughly raked out before work commences except where pointing is in the same mortar as the masonry when joints  should be struck as masonry proceeds. Insist on a whole wall  being treated at one time, i.e., the joints from top to bottom in the whole length should be laked out. Where cement mortar is used in the masonry  and joints are not to be struck along with work insist on joints being raked out every evening after the days work, as otherwise the mortar  will set hard and have to be cut out, damaging the edges of the  bricks. See that joints are washed  and well wetted before commencement of  work. 
2. See that the correct type of pointing as specified is done. All the pointing should be .as per the sample already approved. 
3. Take great care in mixing mortar for plaster  and pointing. Ensure that  mixing is in accordance with specifications. 
4. Plastering must not commence till all the internal plumbing and conduits for electrification have been laid and covered. 
5. In plastering see that laths are used to show thickness of coat required at not more than 1.5 m spacing. 
6. In two-coat  work  never  allow first coat to exceed 10 mm or  as specified and see that it is kept wet for 7 days before second coat is  applied. 
7. Check plaster to see that  it is in plumb. 
8. Reject any plaster which 'blows'.  Insist on careful  slaking of lime to guard against this in lime or lime gauged plaster except where hydrated bagged lime is  used. 
9. Avoid excessive troweling. 
10. Plastered and pointed surfaces should be kept wet for 10 days after completion.