Henry Johnson’s magnificent colonial-era home, on the outskirts of Boston, has stood the test of time. The outer walls have seen hundreds of seasons and several generations but they still seem strikingly new. So what is it about this house that makes it different from others? Well, stone and brick repointing has helped preserve the property. Continue reading to learn about the process of stone and brick repointing and why it is vital for your property’s upkeep.
What Can You Do to Save Your Property?
Our homes require regular inspections and care. Without the proper restoration and repair, our assets start to deteriorate rapidly and lose their value and charm. The high level of year-round precipitation in Boston means that the exterior structure of any building will face considerable damage. Joints between masonry blocks are the most common area of deterioration as a result of seasonal changes. With time, the old mortar loosens or cracks and leaves behind gaping holes in the walls.
Brick repointing is an essential repair process for estate maintenance as it enhances the appearance of the external masonry of any building, and adds value to the property. Freshly repointed mortar ensures that water from heavy downpours does not enter into the core of the wall and cause extensive harm. Permeable mortar joints keep the walls dry and let excess rainwater evaporate once the rain stops.
New repointing also helps keep homes warm by preventing heat from escaping through the cracks in the mortar. It is hence, important to repoint old mortar joints so that they don’t lead to extensive damage and then expensive repairs in the long run.
How Does Stone or Brick Repointing Work?
Repointing might seem like a cumbersome process but it holds significant value when it comes to the repair and upkeep of a property. An expert in masonry repair and restoration will usually follow the steps listed below, to evaluate the condition of your property and start work on the repointing process.
1. The first step is to analyze the condition of the brick or stone joints. This enables the mason to understand the true problem behind the deterioration of the external structure.
2. Next, they will examine the type of mortar used to hold the joints, so that they can select the appropriate materials for repairs.
3. A skilled technician will then slowly start to remove the old outer layer of the brick mortar joint using the appropriate tools, to eliminate any margins of error.
4. Lastly, new layers of fresh mortar will be filled in the cracks and joints will be fully repaired.
It is always advised to seek professional help when it comes to brick and stone repointing. AMN Masonry has over 13 years of experience in brownstone repair and brick and stone restoration in Boston, MA. For all your queries related to repairs, restorations and repointing call them now on (774) 244-8248 or contact them through their website for a free estimate today.