You’ve often heard about the walls getting white patches, which lose their structural integrity and give an unpleasant look to your property. This is one of the major problems called spalling, commonly faced by people living in humid weather conditions like Queens and also due to freeze-thaw damage. Spalling can cause costly damage to your masonry. Among various methods to cure this issue, repointing remains one of the best ways to protect & restore the masonry. Brick Pointing (repointing) involves the process of curing your masonry by placing compatible & accurate mortar joints. But do we ever think about in all these situations what is meant to repoint bricks? In this blog, we’ll break down the understanding, roles & significance of repointing in brick spalling.
Understanding the Brick Spalling
Brick spalling refers to the surface crumbled or damaged due to moisture intrusions in the masonry, and mainly the freezing weather conditions, which cause expansion & contraction of bricks, due to which bricks get weakened & mineral deposits on the walls.
Typical Triggers of Spalling
The following are the causes of spalling. Let’s have a look:
- Decayed or Old mortar
- Harsh winter conditions, like in the Bronx
- Moisture in the voids of masonry
- Poor water management
- Aggressive washing methods.
The Role of Repointing in Preventing Brick Spalling
Repointing plays a crucial role in the maintenance of masonry & preventing bricks from spalling; let’s see how:
| Performance Perks | Breakdown |
|---|---|
| Blocks water entry | It seals the voids to prevent water damage. |
| Vapor permeability | It allows masonry to breathe & improve airflow. |
| Wall stability | It increases vertical load distribution & stabilizes masonry. |
| Stops mildew buildup | It tightly packs the joints, which keeps the pests & mildews out. |
| No temperature variations | It can suffer the shocks caused by the thermal expansion & contraction of bricks. |
| Efficient drainage | It directs the water away from masonry, which improves drainage. |
Visible Signs of Severe Brick Spalling
Detecting early signs of spalling can save you from costly damage. Spalling is one of the problems that looks like a cosmetic issue, but it’s an underlying, serious moisture-related concern. Here are some of the visible signs of brick spalling.
Have a look:
- Scaled or flaky surface
- Moisture stains
- Efflorescence
- Bubbly outer layer
- Disintegrating bricks.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, brick spalling can severely damage your masonry because it’s not just a surface flaking or damage but can be a deep-down issue of moisture infiltration in your masonry. Repointing can fix this issue by repairing the mortar joints & enhancing the structural strength of the walls.
Sardar Restoration Corp proudly serves every corner of NYC, including the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, and Queens. Our services are designed to meet your specific 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 inspections to check for early signs of spalling?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. offers onsite inspections to diagnose the early signs of spalling bricks, helping you prevent costly repairs with timely interventions.
Will repointing fix spalling bricks?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. provides expert repointing solutions, which can fix the spalling bricks by replacing the deteriorated brick with a compatible one.
Can you work on historic buildings?
Yes! Our repointing contractor in NYC works on historic buildings by using lime-based mortar, which is ideal for repointing historic masonry.
Discover how repointing prevents brick spalling in old masonry and why it’s crucial for historic building care — read the full guide here.
Do you also waterproof or seal brick walls?
Sardar Restoration Corp. makes the roots properly functioning by improving water drainage & airflow so that your masonry can breathe & keep water in channels; then, we apply waterproof coatings.
