Repointing old brick structures is much more than just their surface repair, it plays a key role in upholding the structural stability and legacy of historical buildings. If you’re looking for masonry restoration of your Brooklyn brownstone structure or mid-century vintage homes, it is very important to use compatible materials and appropriate mortar mix for lasting performance. In contrast, the mismatched mortar can cause destruction & costly repairs, while the aligned mortar can preserve the strength & its charm for many years. The means to repoint old bricks is achieved when the required mortar, i.e, (Lime-based Mortar), is used in the brick pointing.
In this blog, let’s uncover the mortar composition and the best mortar type for repointing.
Exploring the Mortar Composition
Mortar is a binding agent that requires the following three ingredients that influence the strength of mortar to balance the structure & maintain long-term stability:
- Matrix Material: Lime or Portland cement is the conventional matrix material.
- Granular Component: Sand is used for a grainy texture & serves as a standard aggregate.
- Activating Fluid: Water is the hydrating agent for the binder that lets mortar work smoothly.
Best Mortar for Repointing Old Bricks
Lime-based mortar is commonly known as the best and suitable mortar for repointing old buildings because it is handmade & gentle on the bricks. Lime-based mortar helps preserve the structural strength and avoid leaning of old historic buildings in Westchester.
Key Benefits of Lime-Based Mortar
- It is resilient and easily approachable
- It has naturally restorative abilities
- It is perfectly suitable for old & permeable bricks
- It keeps the interior insulated
Types:
- Non-Hydraulic Lime:
- It slowly hardens as it carbonates by interacting with air.
- It is the balanced mortar for low-humidity areas like Queens, mostly indoors.
- Hydraulic Lime:
- It is enriched with mineral-based contents.
- It is appropriate for moisture-prone spaces, mostly outdoors.
Why Lime-based Mortar Matters in Historic Mortar
Lime-based mortar is used as a traditional strong binder because it is relatively breathable, flexible, gentle on the bricks, and avoids water intrusions. Repointing with lime mortar is the best option because of its permeability, as it seamlessly aligns with the traditional old bricks. Lime mortars preserve the sturdiness and architectural charm of old buildings while extending the lifespan of your masonry. That’s the reason lime-based mortars matter the most in historic residential or commercial properties.
Learn how repointing can be safely done on historic buildings without harming their original character in our detailed guide to repointing historic properties.
Costly Repairs in Historic Repointing
The following are some key points to avoid, ensuring your old brick structure is safe from costly repairs:
1. Using Pure Cement-based Mortars
Using the pure Portland mortar can harden & seal the moisture within the brickwork, which causes spalling.
2. Overlooking Color & Texture of Mortar
Not choosing the exact color and texture of the old mortar can degrade visual appeal, so it’s preferable to align with the original colors & texture to align historical aesthetics.
3. Omitting Mortar Testing
To avoid any risk of error, mortar testing is the best option for creating a mix that aligns with your original mortar.
To understand the risks of poor material choices, explore the common repointing mistakes that can damage your structure.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, selecting the best mortar to repoint old brick is essential to preserve its structural integrity & legacy. Lime-based mortar is ideal for reducing the risk of brickwork damage, settling, and maximizing the load-bearing capacity. Modern mortar is good in itself, but it’s not a good fit to suit the delicacy of the old brick buildings and provide breathability.
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 use lime mortar for historic brick buildings?
Yes! Our experts use both hydraulic & non-hydraulic lime-based mortars, which are tailored according to your needs for historic brick buildings.
Can you customize the mortar mix for my building?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. offers customization of mortar mix that is well-suited to your structure’s age, brick type, environmental factors, and your desired finish.
Do you work on residential and commercial properties?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. does repointing on old historical residential and commercial properties with compatible lime-based mortar.
What’s the difference between lime mortar and cement mortar?
1. Lime Mortar
- It is gentle on the bricks and moisture-permeable.
- It is ideal to preserve old brick structures.
2. Cement Mortar
- It is rigid and has higher strength.
- It is perfect for contemporary buildings.
Do I need to mist the mortar after repointing?
Yes! Lime mortar dries up too fast, but it’s important to moisten your mortar with spray for a few days after repointing so it can properly cure & stop the chances of cracking.
