Brooklyn is famous for its brownstones and historic buildings because of its beautiful architecture and the strength to endure the brick structures for years. The use of compatible mortar, like lime-based mortars, can make the Brooklyn homes stronger, but obviously, with time, the mortar gets eroded and deteriorated and needs to be repointed. Repointing is the act of masonry restoration that involves replacing the old mortar with new mortar. The rate of mortar erosion is much faster in Brooklyn homes due to their old construction and brick dislodgement, but by identifying the need for repointing where the mortar is eroded, you help prevent thousands of delayed repairs.
In this blog, we’ll discover the factors that are involved in mortar deterioration in Brooklyn homes and brownstones:
Triggers of Accelerated Mortar Erosion in Brooklyn Homes
Let’s examine the standard and frequently occurring conditions that lead to mortar erosion in Brooklyn Homes, which can result in mortar erosion.
| Triggers | Strain on Mortar Joints |
|---|---|
| Traditional mortar formulation | The traditional mortar mixes are soft and can easily trap moisture. |
| Faulty repairs | Using the wrong mortar and improper repointing causes early brick damage. |
| Minimal property attention | Neglecting the need for repointing and delaying the inspections of your masonry leads to costly repairs. |
| Frost-related joint damage | The temperature variation causes freeze-thaw damage, which expands and contracts the masonry and results in crumbling mortar. |
| Compact Residential Clusters | Due to a lack of proper ventilation in the houses, the airflow will be poor, and the masonry will get damp. |
| Acidic precipitation impact | As the Brooklyn houses are made of traditional soft mortar mixes, the acidic rain makes the joints brittle more easily and causes cracking. |
| Humid environmental exposure | The humidity in the mortar joints traps the moisture from the environment, which results in the growth of molds and mildew. |
What Makes You Notice That the Mortar Is Deteriorated?
Mortar erosion is the most common problem in Brooklyn brownstones, as they were constructed decades ago. With time, mortar becomes faded and brittle and calls for repointing for better home protection, structural stability, and insulation.
- Separation in brickwork
- Disintegrating mortar
- Staining from infiltration
- White crystallization residue
- Unstable masonry units
In areas like Queens, the mortar erosion signs can appear much earlier due to coastal exposure and salty air. See how NYC’s coastal weather affects brickwork in Queens and what you can do about it.
Recommended Actions for Brooklyn Homeowners
Here are some of the tips and tricks to apply when repointing, and most of the repointing contractors in Brooklyn, NYC, recommend the following action for homeowners:
| Intervention | Importance of early attention |
|---|---|
| Choose appropriate mortar | Using the traditional and time-tested mortar mixes that are suitable for repointing, which preserves structural integrity. |
| Timely repointing | Installing the new mortar in place of damaged mortar joints for better structural strength. |
| Gentle cleaning alternatives | Use soft and non-abrasive cleaning solutions for excellent preservation of masonry. |
| Use vapor-permeable coatings | Using breathable sealants protects bricks and mortar from harsh weather and moisture intrusion. |
| Routine wall checks | Frequent masonry checkups help in determining the early signs of structural damage, which prevents drastic deterioration. |
| Prevent moisture pooling. | It enhances water runoff and prevents water from seeping through masonry. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brooklyn homes face more frequent and faster mortar erosion due to their old construction, brownstones, and constant exposure to environmental factors. It is recommended by the professionals that these mortar damages are preventable with regular upkeep and proper maintenance.
Sardar Restoration Corp. proudly serves every corner of NYC, including the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, and Queens. Our services are designed to meet your needs, providing top-quality solutions wherever you are. Check our service areas to see how we can assist you in your location.
Contact us today at (+1) 917-355-8556 or sardarrestoration@gmail.com, or visit us at 2770 Fish Ave, Bronx, NY 10469, United States.
FAQs
Do you offer mortar repointing for old Brooklyn brownstones?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. delivers mortar repointing solutions that are made for old Brooklyn brownstones and use materials and mortar mixes that are compatible with historic restorations.
Can you fix water damage caused by eroded mortar joints?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. provides water damage fixes that come with repointing services. If your mortar joints are eroded, our experts simply repoint them and apply water-resistant sealants that ensure a proper drainage system and no further water leaks.
Do you avoid harsh pressure washing?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. avoids high-pressure washing and prefers gentle use of cleaning agents with adequate pressure washing so that it cannot cause any harm to your property while it cleans and preserves the look of your Brooklyn brownstones.
Can you repoint just the areas that are damaged?
Yes! Our repointing contractor in NYC evaluated the damages thoroughly and skillfully repointed only the damaged areas and patched the worn-out joints for better insulation and protection while saving the unnecessary repair costs.
