Historical buildings are prone to structural damage and wear and tear over time. With these structures standing tall for years on end, it is normal for them to lose their charm. Brick and stone repointing is one of the best preservation techniques for maintaining the structure of buildings, ensuring longevity. This helps preserve the charm of the building for future generations.

Here is a step-by-step guide for historical building repointing.

1. Addressing the Cause

The first step is to understand what is causing the damage to happen over time. Ignoring this can lead to the same issue happening in the future, rendering all your hard work pointless. If the bricks were of poor quality, then it is only natural for them to begin eroding over time.

Sometimes, there can be physical damage, too, as a result of collisions. Understanding the root cause can help formulate the best strategy that would work for you in the future.

2. Mortar Analysis

It is important to analyze the existing mortar for historical buildings to meticulously understand the composition and color closely. This ensures that the new mortar is as close to the old one as possible so that the final look is coherent. This helps prevent future damage and helps with moisture retention as well. When you hire a professional to help you with historical building repointing, they can help you create a custom mix for this.

3. Preparation

Before you start the repointing process, make sure to thoroughly clean the area to remove debris or loose mortar. Different cleaning processes can be used, such as gentle brushing and low-pressure washing. The method used depends on what works best for that area, given the type of material that has been used.

4. Removing Old Mortar and Repairing Damaged Bricks

Removing deteriorated mortar is the next step in the process. This helps ensure all the damaged bricks are removed to make space for the new ones. Next, damaged brickwork should be repaired using materials as close to the original as possible to ensure compatibility. A part of the wall that reacts differently from the rest can be created using contemporary bricks and cement mortar, leading to strains that ultimately result in structural failure.

5. Applying New Mortar

Once all the possible fixing is done, new mortar can be mixed and carefully applied using a pointing trowel. This must be done carefully to ensure a strong joint bond.

6. Finishing

Once all the above steps are completed, the mortar should be cured slowly to prevent cracking and ensure long-term durability.

Are you looking for the best brick-and-stone repointing in Boston? AMN Masonry can help. Our professional team has years of experience in the field can help you get exactly what you want.

Restoring historical buildings has never been easier. Let us restore your property using the best possible methods! Contact us today to get a quote!