When bricks deteriorate, it’s not just about aesthetics and devisualizing; it tells us that there is an underlying issue and that masonry restoration is needed. In this way, repointing is the solution that can repair or renew the mortar joints, but if the repointing is not right, it can cause problems repeatedly and won’t last that long. So, for long-lasting brick pointing, it’s important to properly execute the construction and keep the ongoing maintenance of the masonry, which keeps your structure standing, durable, and resilient for years. But the means to repoint bricks for long-lasting performance & functions is to use expert techniques and tools.
In this blog, we’ll discover the best techniques that can make your brick repointing stand firm and stable in the long term.
Essential Steps For Durable Brick Repointing
The following are some of the most critical steps that help you preserve your building and for long-lasting brick repointing:
Match Existing Mortar
Formulating the mortar of the best consistency, color, and texture allows the mortar joints to stay resilient for an extended period. Use custom-made mortar, whether it’s for modern or historic buildings, to preserve their decorative features and authenticity.
Effective Techniques:
- Mortar should be less rigid than the brick.
- It should seamlessly blend with the original look and formulation.
- Lime-based mortar is ideal for Historic buildings.
- Cement-based mortar is suited for modern, contemporary buildings.
Matching mortar type is crucial when fixing cracks — here’s how repointing helps with cracked brick walls.
Use Hand Tools Only
The key tip is to remove the old mortar correctly with precision, using hand tools, because grinders and machinery have high speeds, which can damage the nearby bricks.
Preferred Tools:
- Chipping Hammer
- Flat Chisel
- Vertical Joint Chisel
- Hand-Operated Mortar Rake
Clear the Joints
When the mortar joints are removed properly, it is essential to clean the surface with the best tools to eliminate the dust & debris and prep the base for strong and lasting adhesion of mortar. Strongly bonded mortar plays a significant role in long-lasting brick pointing.
Debris Removal:
- To remove the dust, use a stiff brush with bristles.
- Keep misting up the mortar with water under low pressure.
- Allow joints to air dry before applying mortar.
Layer the Mortars Right
It is essential to pack the mortar joints in step-by-step layering, as it helps the mortar to cure properly at a deeper level and improves structural stability.
Application Guides:
- First, apply the mortar from the back and compress it to set it in one place.
- Then, ensure the first layer of mortar is partially set or dry before adding more layers.
- Finally, the joints should be shaped by trimming away overfills for a refined look.
Proper Curing
Proper curing is the essential step in lasting repointing. In this way, the weather matters the most; the perfect season to repoint bricks is spring. If the weather is too hot, the mortar dries out too quickly, loses its durability, and becomes crack-prone.
Curing Guidelines:
- Keep the repointed areas moist by spraying water on them multiple times for up to 5 days.
- Apply a protective layer of plastic to prevent drying out fast.
- Do not repoint in extreme weather, too cold or too hot, as it makes mortar harden and dry quickly, which causes cracking.
For a detailed breakdown on how seasonal changes affect curing, explore the best season to schedule brick repointing.
Stay Ahead With Upkeep
It’s better to assess the professionals for ongoing maintenance. It helps identify wear and tear, preventing costly damage to your masonry and increasing the lifespan of brick repointing.
Preventive Guide:
- Yearly evaluation of joints is essential to detect the early signs of damage.
- Scrub away plant growth from the brickwork.
- Inspect the run-off systems properly to see if they are working.
- Use non-damaging cleaning methods like high-pressure sprays.
If your masonry is exposed to cold climates, it’s important to consider how freeze-thaw cycles affect repointing.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, brick repointing is not a simple repair method; it takes a reasonable amount of time for maintenance that preserves the durability and strength of your residential and commercial property. Keeping it maintained can help you save your investments, while the masonry can stand the test of time and look its best for the upcoming years.
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 match the existing mortar color and texture when repointing?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. matches the existing mortar color & textures to retain the masonry’s architectural charm and uniformity when repointing.
Do you use lime-based mortar for older homes?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. uses lime-based mortars for historic buildings to preserve durability and avoid cracking using custom-made mortar.
Will the work be weather-protected during repointing?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. tracks the weather conditions to avoid damage during repointing. We preferred not working in extremely harsh cold weather, like the Bronx, or in extreme windy weather to ensure the lasting performance of the repointing.
Do you offer maintenance guidance after the repointing is done?
Yes! Our repointing contractor in the Bronx provides proper maintenance tips to help safeguard your masonry and prevent costly damages in the future.
