Yes you should repoint any mortar joints that show failure.
The correct mix to use for repointing should match the existing in make up & PSI for this you may need to have a sample tested by a lab. Also the repair mortar should be weaker than the softest brick. A type "N" mortar was most likely a standard mix in 1939.
Using todays standards a Type "S" mortar is required below grade keep in mind that this mix is rated @ 1800 PSI which is double the Type "N" mortar.
To parge the existing walls as seen in the photo Any parge mortar use will only be as good as the paint / existing white coating that is now on the brick.
Mortar will not adhere well to a painted surface & will fail over time.
Only after you are sure the water / moisture problem is taken care of you can
apply a coating over the existing Exposed brick , parged brick & painted brick using a Synthetic base coat material Like STO Corp. RFP than use a Synthetic finish coat texture & color as you select.
Please note the RFP material is not a high build base coating so you can not level out the wall with this type coating a reason you may need to texture it.
The correct mix to use for repointing should match the existing in make up & PSI for this you may need to have a sample tested by a lab. Also the repair mortar should be weaker than the softest brick. A type "N" mortar was most likely a standard mix in 1939.
Using todays standards a Type "S" mortar is required below grade keep in mind that this mix is rated @ 1800 PSI which is double the Type "N" mortar.
To parge the existing walls as seen in the photo Any parge mortar use will only be as good as the paint / existing white coating that is now on the brick.
Mortar will not adhere well to a painted surface & will fail over time.
Only after you are sure the water / moisture problem is taken care of you can
apply a coating over the existing Exposed brick , parged brick & painted brick using a Synthetic base coat material Like STO Corp. RFP than use a Synthetic finish coat texture & color as you select.
Please note the RFP material is not a high build base coating so you can not level out the wall with this type coating a reason you may need to texture it.