Repointing is required in order to ensure that the brick walls possess the right retention of strength that is expected of them as part of masonry repair and restoration. The channels that are formed by construction mortar between bricks may also become weak over a certain period of time due to exposure to weather or moisture or other factors.
Eventually spaces appear as the mortar weakens and water is free to enter the wall. Such problems can escalate to structural problems whereby the structure is weakened or even get molds and becomes unstable. Repointing in a way involves washing off the old and already worn out mortar with new material which in turn would help cover these gaps and prevent the wall from further wearing.
Repointing therefore makes sure that the structure is long lasting, its durability is maintained (a core goal of brick pointing) and it doesn’t cost a lot of money to repair it again in future.
What Happens If You Don’t Repoint?
If you don’t repoint a brick structure when needed, the mortar joints between the bricks will continue to deteriorate, leading to a series of potential problems that can compromise the integrity of the entire structure. Here’s a detailed look at the consequences:
Water Infiltration and Damage
The most significant risk of neglecting repointing is water penetration. Over time, it deteriorates and causes spaces between the brick masonry; presumably, rainwater or moisture penetrate the walls. This condensed moisture will erode the structure gradually, consequently, the walls develop minor cracks, metal parts degenerate and even water penetrates the interior of the structure with the risk of dampness and mold.
Structural Weakness
Mortar holds the bricks in place and ensures the stability of the wall. As the mortar breaks down and crumbles, the wall becomes more vulnerable to shifting or even collapse. If the wall loses its ability to withstand pressure, it can lead to structural failure, which can be costly to repair and dangerous to occupants.
Mold and Mildew Growth
When water is allowed to seep into the wall and remain trapped due to compromised mortar, it creates a perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. These fungi can spread quickly, causing health issues for residents and further damaging the building materials. Over time, mold can spread to interior spaces, potentially leading to respiratory problems and other health concerns.
Increased Energy Costs
Gaps in mortar can also allow drafts to enter the building, reducing its insulation properties. This means your home or building will require more energy to heat or cool, leading to increased energy bills. The lack of proper sealing also decreases the overall energy efficiency of the structure.
Aesthetic Deterioration
Over time, if repointing is neglected, the mortar joints may become unsightly with visible cracks, crumbling, or gaps. This not only affects the curb appeal of the property but can also lower its market value. For historical buildings, this kind of deterioration can be particularly detrimental to their authenticity and appearance.
Increased Repair Costs
Failing to repoint can lead to bigger, more expensive repairs down the road. As damage accumulates due to water infiltration, mold growth, and structural weakness, the cost of repairs will rise significantly. Repointing, when done timely, is a relatively low-cost preventative measure compared to the extensive repairs needed if issues are allowed to worsen.
Compromised Safety
Failure to continually or at least occasionally repoint can lead to issues of safety of the building. Loosening of the wall or the structure of the foundation might also increase the possibility of a collapse or any other adverse consequence. In cases where these buildings receive a lot of foot traffic or are situated in areas with unfavourable weather conditions this can turn out to be very dangerous.
Why Repointing is Necessary?
Repointing required for restore work structurally, safety, aesthetic, and other concerns of brickwork masonry can be restored with point it. Through service, the joints that bind the bricks together may erode as a result of proned exposure to weather elements, moisture among others. These depredations lead to the development of openings that take away the structural integrity of a building or wall. Below are some reasons why repointing is necessary:
Preventing Water Damage
Repointing is necessary to prevent water infiltration, one of the principal reasons it is performed. Bricks are mortared together to create a solid, and can break down due to exposure to elements. There is plenty of opportunity for rainwater or moisture to penetrate the brickwork when mortar joints become cracked or missing. Water entering the structure, when it does, can cause massive damage — including brick erosion, corrosion of metal reinforcements, and dampness in the building. In the worst case, this may lead to mold growing and additional damage to the property and pose health risks.
Maintaining Structural Integrity
Bricks can be held securely in place with mortar, a mortar that helps to stabilize the structure as a whole. If the mortar is neither maintained through regular repointing nor the joints become weakened, then the wall may lose strength and its structural integrity. Over time, however, repointing becomes necessary due to this weakening and the repointing may result in brick pointing shifting, bulging or even collapsing in the most extreme cases. Repointing fixes the strength of the mortar, thus it keeps the wall solid and strong.
Protecting Against Weathering
Harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, freezing temperatures and intense heat are common, which expose bricks and mortar to. With time, these environmental factors will deteriorate the mortar. The mortar weakens, and continues to be more susceptible to delamination, cracking or even eroding. Repointing replenishes the mortar and creates a durable barrier that resists weathering and erosion, protecting the building.
Preserving Aesthetics
Deteriorating mortar can create visible cracks, gaps, and discoloration between bricks with time, which can have a negative impact on the way the building looks. This aesthetic deterioration can often remove a lot of character and value away from a historic or older building. Repointing helps give the wall a fresh, smooth, uniform face helping give your building a better overall aesthetic appeal. Repointing is essential to the historic preservation of the structure in order to maintain its authenticity (and structural integrity).
Improving Energy Efficiency
Gaps and cracks in mortar joints can lead to air leaks, which reduce the building’s insulation and energy efficiency. This results in higher energy bills as more heating or cooling is required to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Repointing helps seal these gaps, reducing drafts and improving the building’s insulation (fulfilling the purpose of brick pointing). As a result, it can lower energy consumption and reduce heating or cooling costs.
Preventing Further Damage
Ignoring repointing, the small problem of worn mortar can develop into much larger and expensive trouble. All of that water infiltration can weaken the structure and likely cause bigger problems, such as cracks in the bricks and deterioration of the foundation or interior water damage. Repainting helps you confront the issue before it becomes severe and pricey to fix.
Increasing Property Value
Buildings, with or without repointed brickwork, that are well maintained have a higher market value. Repointing improves the property’s curb appeal and general condition, thereby increasing the property’s value, or as we like to call it, ‘curb value’. Repointing can be necessary for historic properties to preserve the buildings heritage and satisfy conservation standards.
Health and Safety
Dampness caused by water infiltration can create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and fungi, which can spread throughout the building. Mold and mildew damage materials and pose serious health risks, particularly for people with respiratory issues. Repointing ensures that the building is sealed correctly, preventing moisture from getting in and reducing the chances of mold and mildew growth.
Wherever you are, Sardar Restoration Corp’s services are tailored to meet local needs. Contact us today at (+1) 917-355-8556 or sardarrestoration@gmail.com, or visit us at 2770 Fish Ave, Bronx, NY 10469, United States. Let us bring excellence to your next project!
FAQs
How Often Should Bronx Homes Be Repointed?
In the Bronx’s harsh winters, repointing is needed every 25-30 years. However, older brownstones or buildings near coastal areas may require it sooner due to salt exposure.
Does Repointing Prevent Mold in NYC Buildings?
Yes! Repointing seals gaps in mortar joints, stopping moisture from seeping into walls. This is critical for NYC’s humid summers, where trapped water leads to mold growth.
Is Repointing Covered by NYC Building Codes?
While NYC codes don’t mandate repointing specifically, neglected mortar can violate safety standards. Regular maintenance ensures compliance with local regulations.
