Masonry structures are durable and meant to last for years, but that doesn’t mean that you might not run into the occasional weak spot in the mortar. Not to worry, it is very common to repair masonry structures by repointing these weak spots in the brick joints. If you have been wondering about what happens in this process, here is a brief overview of what it takes to repair brick joints.
Prep
The first step to repairing brick joints is to prep the site. This includes chiseling out the damaged mortar to a depth of about one inch. Another part of the prep is cleaning. A masonry contractor has tools specifically for this, like a jointer tool to clear away the loose mortar and grit left behind from chiseling. Once the surfaces is brushed and rinsed, it is ready for the repointing process.
Replace
In addition to repointing mortar joints, this would now also be the opportunity to remove any damaged bricks as well. An expert eye will be able to spot signs of bricks that are too worn out to properly maintain their structure. The bricks might show signs of cracking or erosion, for example. Also, in any bricks have come out completely, then this is a good time to replace them with new bricks.
Repoint
Once the area is clean and the damaged bricks have been replaced, the masonry contractor will brush and dampen the area. A trowel and a jointer tool pack mortar into the brick joints to fill them to the level of the brick itself. Sometimes they are kept level, and alternately the mortar can be depressed by the jointer. The mortar has to be applied when it is close to setting in order to prevent it from sagging under the weight of the bricks. Overall, the repointing process is simple and takes care of necessary repairs.
Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Next Masonry Project
If you are ready to upgrade your home or commercial building with professional masonry installation or replacement, Del Prete Masonry has the experience and expertise to get the job done right for the right price. To explore our residential and commercial services and set up a consultation, please give us a call at 410-683-0650 or contact us online. We currently serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and get more updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: brick, brick maintenance, brick masonry, masonry materials, masonry restoration