Brick homes and chimneys require upkeep to remain in good condition. Particularly, older brick buildings are susceptible to mortar loss and cracks. If left alone, these problems can lead to major issues that will be difficult and expensive to repair. Repointing is the best way to repair brickwork and to restore the look and value of your home.

When you need repointing on your building, you can count on Bricklands Inc. for your expert brick masonry contractor in Washington D.C. Our experienced team will properly repair your damaged masonry using the best repointing techniques and materials.

At Bricklands Inc., we are known for our extensive work on historic and older homes. We take care to ensure that the mortar matches the existing surfaces to make the repairs look invisible. Properly repairing mortar will keep your structure in good condition for many years to come.

Many factors can cause bricks and mortar to deteriorate. Weather conditions, foliage, and poor materials can contribute to the decline of the brickwork. At Bricklands Inc., we have years of experience working on repairs that will restore your home to perfect condition.

When painting exterior brick surfaces, be sure that the proper repointing has been completed. Inspect the mortar to ensure that it is in good condition. Painting damaged brick surfaces could result in major problems down the road. An inspection by a reputable masonry contractor in Washington D.C. will provide an indication of any repairs that are required.

Proper repointing will extend the life of the bricks and will increase the value of your home.

Repointing

Repointing (also known as "tuckpointing") is a process which involves the replacement of deteriorated mortar. The work is achieved through a method of cutting back, or "raking," the mortar joint mechanically or by hand, to ensure that the newly-placed mortar will stay in place, and then pointing in the replacement mortar.

Using The Right Mortar

The first step for getting the perfect results on the new mortar is the Prep work. One the most important components is using the right type of mortar in order to make a long-lasting repair. It is crucial to know the variety of grades that mortar can come in and their uses on structures. These various grades can be differentiated by the ratios of the “binders” (lime and cement) in the mortar mix when combined with sand. Typically, most mortars with a higher lime content are used on older masonry structures, whereas mortars with a higher cement content are used on newer masonry.

Lime Mortar

In historical masonry work lime, which is a byproduct of limestone, was a key component. Lime is a lasticizing agent which has helped in constructing durable, water-tight masonry. When you mix the lime with sand, it’s called lime mortar. In general, lime mortars used in traditional masonry structures have erved the following functions: to bed the masonry unit, to permit structural movement through the mortar joint, and to allow the masonry unit to dry out.

Portland Cement

The introduction to modern masonry occurred in the later part of the 19th century and was brought about, in part, with the incorporation of cements in mortars. Cement also referred to as "Portland Cement" is a byproduct of clay and gypsum. It sets quicker than lime and is also stronger and more water-tight. Cement-based mortars were, and still are, fully appropriate for veneer work that developed during this time of large scale construction. It is currently the most common type of cement in general use around the world. Unfortunately, however these qualities don’t always blend well in historic masonry structures so it is therefore important to be careful when selecting which mortar is to be used in any restoration project.

Spalling

Spalling is a result of the occurrence of moisture seeping into bricks and then going through a series of freeze/ thaw cycles. Over time water damage that results in Spalling is characterized by the breaking, crumbling, or flaking of the face of a masonry unit which is typically a sign that an improper mortar is encompassing the unit. Traditional load-bearing masonry and lime mortars require the ability to breathe and move, which mortars with a high cement content do not necessarily allow.

Working With Lime

In comparison to modern cement-based mortars, lime mortars set and cure slowly. It is important to use protection to keep the mortar from drying out too soon, or freezing in colder weather. This is often necessary upon initial application for the first several days. Because of the steps taken to maintain, lime work can be labor intensive. Despite the extra work needed to work with lime it still stands as the best and most cost-efficient option when working on older masonry in the long run. Many times, it ends up costing customers more when masonry is irreparably damaged as a result of using the wrong mortar mix. As an experienced masonry company, we have the knowledge and skills necessary to work with lime-cement mortars. We make sure to carefully choose our mixes for each project based on the existing mortar, type and characteristics of surrounding masonry units, and location of joint on the given structure. We do this to ensure we are maximizing the longevity of our work.

Matching Mortar Color And Joint Profile

Due to the bulk of our work being in restoring old brick, we do our best to make sure our work blends in with the old to ensure a uniform finish throughout. Meaning not only do we use the right type of mortar mix, but we also match the color and joint profile of the original.

When you want a professional repointing job that perfectly blends with your house, call Bricklands Inc.