Queens has a good seafront nearby with scenic views, but the only drawback is its salt-laden air, which comes with its charming features. These salt crystals are tough on masonry and brick structures. However, suppose your building is properly brick pointed with good-quality mortar. In that case, it keeps the mortar intact and closely packed with weather-resistant sealants that don’t affect the masonry and protect it from salt damage. These environmental wear that coastal areas face can be seriously damaging to your mortar joints in residential and commercial areas.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the impact of salt damage on your masonry, how it shortens the lifespan, and how brick pointing shows.
The Impact of Salt Exposure On Brick Pointing
These consequences will leave your property in bad condition. Let’s have a look at them:
Transport of Dissolved Salt
- Salt dissolves in rain, fog, and humidity.
- It migrates into mortar pores and crystallizes as the walls dry.
- Repeated cycles expand pores and weaken joints.
Water-Attracting Properties
- Salt absorbs moisture from the air.
- Mortar stays damp longer, slowing drying.
Stress from Salt-Crystal Growth
- Efflorescence on the wall occurs.
- Salt crystals cause structural damage.
Freeze–Thaw Stress Escalation
- Wet, salty mortar freezes in winter.
- Mortar joint starts expanding.
Rusting of Embedded Steels
- Salt accelerates rust in lintels, anchors, and ties.
- Rust expands, pushing apart mortar and brick.
Similar environmental risks are explained in how does brick pointing perform in coastal environments?
Observable Damages to Building Exteriors
Look for the following signs to determine the building damage:
- Recessed or sandy mortar joints.
- White powdery efflorescence returning after cleaning.
- Spalling on the walls.
- Hairline cracks near windows, lintels, and parapets.
- Damp interior patches after coastal storms.
How Salt Reduces Mortar Durability?
The reasons listed below indicate that the mortar lifespan can be reduced to 5-10 years because of persistent salt exposure:
- Loss of mortar cohesion: Mortar becomes brittle and cracks.
- Lock in Dampness: Dense mortars retain salts within.
- Fragile outer layer: Poor curing in salty winds leaves weak, sandy joints.
The role of harsh winters and freeze–thaw cycles is covered in how does freeze-thaw cycling affect brick pointing longevity?
Practical Repointing Guidelines For Queens
Here are some strategies to implement while brick pointing coastal homes in Queens:
Condition Monitoring
- Check the mentioned areas & corners.
- Check flashing and copings for water leaks.
- Look for corroded lintels and ties.
Tailored Mortar Formulation
- Use lime-based mortar for most traditional Queens brick.
- Avoid overly burdensome mortars that trap moisture.
- Ensure washed sand is used that is free of salts.
Drainage Planning
- Re-bed or repair loose coping stones.
- Maintain gutters and leaders.
- Redirect roof discharge away from walls.
Extra Preservation Treatments
- Only use breathable sealers.
- Avoid film-forming coatings that trap salts.
- Always test small areas before the complete application.
Seasonal considerations for pointing projects are further discussed in is summer or winter better for brick pointing projects?
Conclusion
Queens’ coastal environment may be beautiful, but the salt-filled air can silently damage brick and mortar over time. Proper brick pointing with durable mortar and breathable sealants is the best way to protect residential and commercial properties from long-term salt exposure. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and expert repointing help preserve the strength and appearance of your walls while saving you from expensive restoration in the future.
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
Will you match the mortar color to my existing brickwork?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. meticulously custom-matches the mortar color & texture, ensuring it complements your existing brickwork, and nobody will be able to recognize the repairs.
Can you repoint older or historic brick homes without damaging the original materials?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. expertly repoints historic buildings using lime-based mortar, ensuring your older brick structures are adequately sealed and retain their authentic architecture.
Do you apply protective sealers after repointing?
Sardar Restoration Corp. uses high-quality breathable mortars and water repellents as sealants. We then let these walls dry naturally, adding extra protection against salt and moisture.
Can you work on multi-family or commercial buildings along the waterfront?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. works on both residential and commercial properties, including waterfront apartment buildings, brownstones, and mixed-use façades.
