Historic structures are the pieces of the legacy of the city’s landmarks, which reflect the hard work & skills of the old-time masons they done the intricate designs by using environmentally friendly materials, which makes the historic buildings remain the same to date. But for obvious reasons, they deteriorate over time, and the most effective way to restore the masonry of historic buildings is by applying repointing, which preserves the dignity, charm, and strength of the bricks & stones of historic structures. However, knowing the means to repoint historic bricks is even more critical, as the entire foundation stands sturdy with repointed bricks.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the preservation methods & role of repointing in historic building preservation:
What Leads to Mortar Breakdown In Historic Buildings?
Let’s have a look at some of the important factors that cause mortar to break down in historic buildings:
Climatic Wear
The harsh cold weather of the Bronx & extreme rains can directly impact the historical facades, which not only makes it look bad but also wears away the mortar joints.
Humidity Infiltration
The humid weather of Queens can affect the historical buildings, causing a moisture trap in the walls that leads to brick deterioration & mold growth.
Mineral Accumulation
The efflorescence buildup on the walls is caused by water ingress in the masonry, which damages the mortar.
Mismatched Materials
The use of inappropriate mortar can lead to accelerated masonry deterioration, using cement-based mortar instead of lime-based mortar.
Why Repointing Matters In Preserving Historic Buildings?
Repointing plays an important role in preserving the decorative masonry features & the legacy of the historic buildings. Let’s see how:
1. Protects Foundational Strength
- It restores the strength of the historical building by renewing mortar joints.
- It keeps the bricks in one place and stabilizes the masonry.
2. Controls Dampness
- It protects your building from pollutants & fungal growth.
- It blocks moisture entry pathways to prevent structural decay.
3. Sustain Historical Accuracy
- It uses compatible & the best materials that suit your building while upkeep the historical value.
- It respects the masonry aesthetics & maintains structural integrity.
It uses compatible materials like lime-based mortar that maintain historical value. Discover the best mortar type for repointing old bricks.
4. Prolongs Structural Lifespan
- It evenly distributes the weight of the building to ensure long-term stability and sturdiness for many years.
- It proactively tackles the structural issues to save you from expensive repairs for years to come.
5. Upholds Historical Character
- It increases the chances of securing historical recognition.
- It keeps the cultural & architectural legacy of buildings maintained.
Compatibility of Historic & Modern Mortar
The following are some aspects of lime & cement-based mortars. Let’s see which of the following fits the best for historic buildings:
| Characteristics | Historic Mortar | Modern Mortar |
|---|---|---|
| Movement tolerance | Excellent flexibility | Fragile under stress |
| Vapor permeability | Dampness migrates outwards | Causes moisture buildup |
| Rigidity | Lower compressive strength than masonry | Excessively hard on masonry |
| Ease of restoration | Convenient for non-invasive repair | Not easily repairable |
| Historical material alignment | Well-suited for traditional masonry | Incompatible with heritage buildings |
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, repointing is the best yet cost-effective technique for preserving historic buildings. Along with providing durability & strength to the structure, it also helps maintain the legacy of historical buildings’ intricate designs, architectural charm and structural integrity. Repointing’s allow historical buildings to stand the test of time.
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 repointing services for historic or landmark buildings?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. offers repointing services crafted specially for historical buildings to preserve their timeless architectural characters.
Can you match the original mortar color and style?
Yes, we do! Sardar Restoration Corp. perfectly matches the mortar colors & style to align with the original mortar composition that complements your structure.
Can you assess whether my building needs repointing?
Yes! Our repointing contractor in NYC performs a thorough inspection to assess if the repointing on your building is the right solution.
Can you repoint buildings that are still in use or occupied?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. can easily repoint buildings by aligning with your schedule, keeping silent while repointing, and maintaining cleanliness, which is our priority.
