Masonry Restoration enhances a building’s beauty, strengthens the structure, and protects against future damage. It also improves energy efficiency by reducing air infiltration and other problems.
A thorough condition assessment determines the best repair methods for masonry structures. These may include patching, repointing, or replacing deteriorated units and mortar.
Masonry restoration involves renewing mortar joints in a masonry building. This is often done because the structure looks shabby, but it can also be needed to prevent structural instability or address issues caused by weathering or Father Time. For example, if mortar breaks down in brick joints, moisture may enter the space and cause problems like efflorescence or salt deposition that damage the substrate masonry units. Proper repointing can close up these voids and keep moisture from entering the wall system, preventing further degradation.
One important element of repointing is matching the mortar type used during the original construction. This ensures that the new mortar will adhere properly to the existing brick, improving the overall integrity of the building. For instance, if the brick building was built using Type N cement and the repaired joints use Type S, the resulting mix will be too rigid for the old brick and could crack or break it over time.
Another crucial element of repointing is dampening the mortar joints. This helps prevent the new mortar from drying too quickly, causing weak joints. It also allows the mason to get a feel for how the process works and adjust any missteps as necessary. It is a good idea to start with a test patch in an inconspicuous area of the building. This will help the mason find the right consistency of mortar, match it to the color and texture of the existing mortar, and make any adjustments before beginning the main work.
Maintaining Load-Bearing Walls
Masonry structures often bear the weight of floors and roofs, so any instability is a serious issue. Whether it is a cracked lintel or a crumbling pier, any structural instability can lead to unsafe conditions. Repairing these components, through repointing, crack stitching, or partial rebuilds, can restore their load-bearing capacity and safety.
While repointing and other masonry restoration services can improve the look and function of your structure, they also enhance the curb appeal of your property. This can make a significant difference if you are considering selling your home or business, and it is a great way to increase its value without spending a fortune. However, even if you are not planning on selling your property, enhancing its visual appeal can make it more enjoyable to live and work in.
Tuckpointing
Masonry restoration isn’t just about bringing old buildings back to life; it’s about preserving the building and the structural integrity of the brick, stone, or block material. One of the most important aspects of a proper restoration is tuckpointing, which involves repairing damaged or worn mortar joints in masonry structures like chimneys, walls, and other brick structures.
Tuckpointing is a highly skilled craft that requires experience, knowledge of the craft, and the right materials. The process begins with a thorough assessment of the structure, which may include exploratory openings to determine the cause and extent of damage or deterioration. This may also involve laboratory testing to determine the best method for repair.
Once the assessment is complete, a contractor can begin the actual tuckpointing work. Using an angle grinder, they remove the existing mortar and underlying brick to expose a fresh surface. They then mix a new batch of mortar, matching the color of the brick to ensure that the repairs blend in seamlessly. Using a pointing tool, they create a v-groove in the new mortar and add it to the joint.
After a few layers of mortar are applied, they use a trowel to “tuck” it into the gaps and smooth the surface. Often, they will lightly wet the mortar before tucking to ensure that it cures slowly and correctly.
While tuckpointing is primarily an aesthetic repair, it also serves to protect the masonry structure from water intrusion. The mortar in a wall or chimney acts as a seal, preventing moisture from seeping into the bricks and damaging them. If a gap or crack is allowed to get out of hand, it can lead to more serious problems that require extensive and costly repair.
Tuckpointing is best performed as a preventive measure, before the mortar joints begin to show signs of damage and deterioration. It is a good idea to tuckpoint regularly, as the masonry will look better and last longer when it’s in pristine condition. It’s also less expensive to perform tuckpointing as a proactive measure than waiting until the mortar is in disrepair and requiring major repair.
Repairing Damaged Units
Masonry restoration is not only a cosmetic enhancement to the exterior of buildings, but also an essential component in safeguarding their structural integrity. Often, masonry structures that aren’t restored when necessary can become weakened and eventually collapse, causing the entire structure to be compromised. While brick, mortar, and cement are strong in compression, they can be weak in tensile stress and are susceptible to damage from water, wind, and other environmental factors that compromise their load-bearing capacity.
It’s important to note that masonry structures that have been subjected to environmental stresses will usually show signs of deterioration before any major structural problems appear. This is why a thorough building condition assessment should be conducted on any masonry building. During this inspection, an experienced masonry contractor can locate and document any areas where deterioration has occurred. Once this is done, the mason can develop repair and restoration treatment options to remedy the condition.
Repairing damaged masonry units involves carefully chiseling or sawing out the broken unit and removing all surrounding mortar. Then, the mason will apply a mortar mix that closely matches the color, texture, shape and hardness of the original materials. It’s crucial that the mortar used is compatible with the existing masonry units and system in order to ensure longevity of the repairs.
The good news is that a well-developed and executed masonry restoration plan can extend the life of a historic masonry structure for many years to come. For this reason, it’s always worth the investment to hire a professional masonry expert.
In addition to repairing and restoring a historical building, a skilled mason can use the same techniques to restore contemporary structures. This is especially important for governmental, educational, and commercial buildings. These buildings typically have a wide variety of brick, mortar, and concrete types that must be compatible in order to maintain the integrity of the structure.
Many people wonder when the right time is to reach out to a mason for help with their historic building. Rather than waiting until glaring damages occur, it’s a wise idea to contact a mason for a building evaluation on a regular basis. This will allow them to spot potential issues before they can cause significant damage and save the building’s owner a great deal of money in repairs and maintenance.
Repairing Veneers
Masonry is one of the most durable building materials around, but that doesn’t mean it won’t need restoration from time to time. It’s important to restore your masonry for both its aesthetic value and the safety of the structure.
Most buildings are built with masonry, including brick or stone walls, walkways, and even fireplaces. It’s a method of construction that uses cement to hold bricks or stones together. Masonry can become damaged from weathering, seismic movements, and simply general wear and tear over time.
The simplest form of masonry restoration is repointing, which involves removing some of the mortar from a masonry joint and replacing it with new mortar that matches the original material. Repointing is a smaller project than a full restoration, but it’s still an essential part of preserving the look and strength of your building.
For buildings with masonry veneers, it’s also important to repair the mortar in between the bricks. This is called “tuckpointing” and requires a skilled mason to apply the mortar correctly. To tuckpoint, the mason must first remove any loose or crumbling mortar from the joints and then fill in the gaps with new mortar that matches the original color and texture of the bricks.
Another common type of masonry restoration is using facade tie brackets to strengthen brick veneers. These braces are placed on the outside of a building to support the façade. They can be installed in new construction or during a renovation and are often used to strengthen the veneer during seismic movement or to correct a structural problem. They use a system of screening tubes, sealant, and steel rods to create an effective and reliable connection.
When the time comes to restore your masonry, a specialist will make the process easier and more efficient. A masonry contractor who specializes in this work will understand the materials and methods better than a general contractor who does not, which can lead to a higher quality finish for your building.
While a lot of masonry restoration is required for old and historic buildings, all structures can benefit from this type of work. Besides improving the appearance of your building, masonry restoration can also increase its value and make it more enjoyable to live or work in.