Brickwork is one of the most timeless construction techniques in NYC. As the most valued method, brick pointing can be used in residential, commercial & industrial properties. The process of brick-pointing consists of removing aged mortar and replacing it with fresh one through masonry restorations. While it may seem like a simple & easy task, it requires a lot of hard work. Even pros at repointing end up making mistakes, which leads to severe structural deterioration and costly repairs. So, the means to repoint brickwork includes the steps like inspection, surface prep, tooling, curing, etc.
So, In this blog, we’ll discuss the common mistakes that occur when repointing brickwork.
Choosing an Incompatible Mortar Mix
Selecting an unsuitable mortar mix can cause costly damage to your masonry structure. Back then, in the construction of historical & modern buildings, the usage & need for lime & cement-based mortar mix wasn’t clearly understood, which badly affected the property worth & accelerated the wear & tear.
What’s at sake:
- The unmatched mortar with modern or historic construction causes bricks to expand & potentially damage.
- The lack of flexibility in the cement results in spalling of the bricks.
Ways to minimize the risk:
- Use a new mortar that aligns with the consistency & robustness of the original mortar.
- Use lime mortar when restoring older homes in Westchester.
- Inspect to know the requirements of your buildings.
To better understand how repointing choices impact durability, check out our guide on what can go wrong with repointing?.
Disregarding Environmental Factors
Environmental factors play an important role in long-lasting repointing. But repointing demands optimal weather conditions which are not extremely warm nor extremely cold, because it undermines the brickwork’s durability.
What’s at sake:
- Insufficient curing due to extremely hot or humid weather like Queens, dries out mortar quickly which compromises joint durability.
- Exposure to rain disrupts the joints & results in water seepage.
Ways to minimize the risk:
- Plan your brickwork repointing in optimal dry weather conditions.
- Apply tarpaulins to shield the work area from the harsh weather of the Bronx.
- Limit your work time in the temperature range of 41F to 85F.
Skipping Joints Pre Cleaning Process
Not cleaning the surface before starting repointing is a common mistake that not only weakens the joint bonding but also reduces the longevity. That is why clean surfaces can grip & cure the mortars efficiently.
What’s at sake:
- Debris in the joints reduces the adhesion with new mortar.
- This can cause early failure & compromised masonry structures.
Ways to minimize the risk:
- When the damaged mortars are removed, scrub the area thoroughly with a brush to secure a clean surface.
- Use a spray bottle to mist the joints before applying mortar.
Improper Joint Detailing
Proper detailing & finishing of mortar joints play a significant role in water resistance & enhancement of the visual appeal of your property.
What’s at sake:
- Poorly intricate joints lead to water retention & reduce the insulation.
- Improper joint detailing lessens the architectural quality & minimizes the property’s worth.
Ways to minimize the risk:
- Use the correct tool to consolidate the mortar & make a smooth pattern.
- Perform the joint detailing when the mortar is at its ideal consistency & has a workable texture.
Overlooking Safety Protocols
Neglecting the precautionary measures & safety protocols before repointing can cause lasting health risks & serious injuries as this process involves harmful substances & sharp equipment.
What’s at sake:
- Exposure to lime-based mortar & airborne cement can cause harm to the skin & respiratory system.
- Not complying with industry-approved tools leads to ignition sources & fire susceptibility.
Ways to minimize the risk:
- Maintain the safety protocols by using scaffolding & make sure they are stable.
- Adhere to the instructions for repointing contractors in NYC.
Curious whether repointing is something you can handle yourself? Explore our step-by-step breakdown in Can You Repoint Bricks Yourself?.
Prolonged Tooling of Mortar
Over tooling of mortar is also a common mistakes when doing repointing because it degrades the surface strength & disturbs the color & texture consistency.
What’s at sake:
- Excessive tooling can pull water outward from mortar & cause pest infestations.
- It affects the aesthetics & reduces structural stability.
Ways to minimize the risk:
- Wait until the mortar becomes thumbprint-hard before tooling.
- Avoid using the joints when they begin to dry.
Stop the repointing mistakes & build your property stronger & error-free with Sardar Restoration Corp.
Wrapping Up
You may think that Repointing brickwork is simple, but no, it’s not true; it demands exact execution & meticulous craftsmanship. Every step in repointing requires proper finishing, ideal mortar selection, & attention to detail to make your brickwork durable & long-lasting. So above are the common mistakes of repointing which destabilize and undermine your property and by learning it you may carry out repointing effectively from now on.
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 professional repointing services?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. offers professional & high-quality repointing services in residential & commercial properties in NYC and its five boroughs.
Do you offer color matching for mortar?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. offers exact color & texture matching mortars and also provides you the test samples so you can be worry-less from the start of the work.
Do you provide free assessments or quotes?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. provides free quotations to examine your brickwork condition & recommends the ideal solutions.
Do you remove the old mortar before repointing?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. removes the old mortar to the proper depth before repointing it for lasting performance & strong structural integrity.
Do you work in all weather conditions?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. performs repointing under favorable environmental conditions to make your brickwork cure properly.
Do you clean the brickwork after repointing?
Yes! After-cleaning is part of our service and Sardar Restoration Corp. makes sure to provide gentle brickwork cleaning with non-toxic detergents & tools.
