Brick Pointing and Repair

Most people believe that when they buy a property comprised of stone, brick, or blocks, they are buying a maintenance-free exterior. And yes, when comparing alternatives to masonry walls like wood or siding that eventually fades or fractures and looks weathered, masonry exterior walls and chimneys are reasonably upkeep free. However, when stone or brick fixtures are part of your property, the foundation and construction of the stone is susceptible to damage through the years. If you have noticed wear and decay on masonry units, stone and brick pointing will improve the appearance of your home and preserve the masonry.

What is brick pointing?

Restoring mortar joints otherwise known as pointing is an important maintenance task for brick and stone masonry. While the longevity of the mortar joints can vary based on the weather conditions they are exposed to, a lifespan of 25+ years is typical for mortar while the brick and stone itself has a lifespan of 100+ years. Stone and brick pointing seals out the moisture and water that has damaged the mortar and improves water penetration resistance. Repointing deteriorated mortar joints is one of the most effective ways to decrease water entry into stone or brickwork and prevent erosion of the masonry itself. Proper repointing can last 25+ years, however, improper repointing will do little to extend the life of the masonry and may even irreversibly damage masonry elements. Thus, proper repointing procedures must be utilized to protect the many masonry structures that call New York City home, especially historic properties. We only work with the best masons because we take pride in our team’s ability to preserve the beauty of stone and bricks while eliminating any damage through our detail-oriented work.

Does my property need brick pointing?

If you see cracks or damage in the bricks or stonework on your property, our experienced masons will conduct a full examination to determine the repair or re-pointing needs of your property.  Our team will work with you to develop a plan to restore the beauty and durability of your stone or brick units. By utilizing quality artisanship and materials, our masons create beautiful results while extending the longevity of the stone and brick masonry elements of your property. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate.

What is tuck pointing?

Tuckpointing is the process of removing old mortar from joints, and replacing it with two contrasting colors of mortar in the mortar joints of the brickwork – one color matches the coloring of the bricks and blends to create a seamless appearance. The second color is used for the actual appearance of mortar joints. These two contrasting colors alter the appearance of the mortar work by creating an illusion of very fine joints between the brickwork. It is important for the mortar joints to maintain a good seal between the brick in order to keep out the elements and protect the bricks from erosion.

We service and tuckpoint:

• Exterior Walls
• Chimneys
• Interior Walls
• Stoops
• Staircases
• Retaining Walls
• Parapet Walls

When mortar joints become damaged, tuckpointing is one of the most cost-effective actions that a homeowner can take to repair the affected areas. Call today for a free project evaluation.

Benefits of tuckpointing include:

• Stops the corrosion of mortar joints.
• Restores structural stability. Failing to repair mortar joints on load-bearing units can weaken structural elements, such as chimneys and walls, which will eventually begin to lean or collapse.
• Tuckpointing helps to prevent water from entering structures. If the mortar joints are not repaired, water will seep through the mortar. Moisture can do a serious amount of unseen damage, such as causing mold, mildew, and rotting wood. Moisture can also cause the ceiling and wallpaper to become stained.
• Tuckpointing holds the brickwork together and restores brick elements to their original condition.
• Tuckpointing is far more cost-effective than a complete tear-down and rebuild. The procedure allows you to avoid the expense of completely replacing brick elements.
• Property value increases when the masonry is in top condition.

WHAT IS STONE MASONRY?

Stonemasonry or stonecraft is a type of building masonry that typically utilizes stones and mortar for the construction of a building, structure, or its elements. Stones are one of the strongest building materials in the world and are used by stonemasons to build stone walls, as well as set stone exteriors and floors. Our masons work with two types of stone: natural-cut rocks, such as marble, granite, sandstone, and limestone; and artificial stone, made from concrete, ransom stone, stone chips, or other masonry materials. With 40+ years of experience building in New York City, our masons apply decades of expertise and energy to all aspects of any stone project, big or small, from new installations to restorations. Our stone masons specialize in restoring historic and landmarked properties across NYC and can match historic masonry materials, such as lime-based mortar. If your property is landmarked, our team will handle all required permitting and specifications as required by the Department of Buildings.

The brick and stone artisans at Gregg Home Improvements NYC specialize in matching existing masonry and mortar for seamless stone repairs and restorations. Contact us today for a free project evaluation.

GREGG HOME IMPROVEMENTS NYC STONE MASONRY SERVICES:

WHAT IS BRICKLAYING?

Bricklayers lay bricks, stone, concrete blocks, and other masonry materials to construct or repair walls, steps, chimneys, pathways, and other structures in accordance with blueprints and client specifications. At Gregg Home Improvements N.Y.C. we have 40+ years of experience bricklaying in New York City. Our team of industry pros has thorough knowledge of the different types of bricks and masonry material that has historically been used in the city and are available, the correct mortar mixtures, and how to adapt bricklaying methods to accommodate New York weather conditions so as to protect structures from humidity or water ingress.

Gregg Home Improvements NYC Bricklaying Services Include:

• Brick Wall Creation
• Chimneys
• Stoops
• Retaining Walls
• Exterior Wall Restoration
• Interior Walls

WHAT IS BRICK MASONRY?

Brick masonry is the placement of bricks in a systematic manner using mortar to bind the bricks together and create a solid mass that can withstand excessive loads.  Bricks and mortars come in many different colors and variations. While standard bricks are featured throughout New York city brick masonry can also involve terra-cotta, stone, concrete, blocks, and tiles. For the best results, we use the highest quality brick materials.

Some of the most common types of bricks include:

• Concrete bricks
• Burnt clay bricks
• Sand lime bricks (Calcium silicate bricks)
• Fly ash clay bricks
• Engineering bricks

Other types of bricks include channel, cownose, hollow, coping, and bullnose bricks.

Top Quality Brick Masonry

High-tech machinery cannot replace the need for a high level of artisanship. Brick masonry requires a great deal of skill and knowledge to be properly executed. Some of the most important factors include:

• Using high-quality and well-made bricks
• Properly matched mortar
• Horizontal brick courses
• Bricklaying or any concrete based work should not be applied or commence in under 32°F
• When work ceases for a time, brick masonry should be left with a toothed end
• Brickbats should not be used
• Brick masonry requires 2 weeks to properly cure.
• Mortar joints should measure 10 mm both vertically and horizontally

Our Brick Masonry Services Include:

• Stoop Repair
• Facade Repair and Replacement
• Waterproofing
• Brick Replacement
• Chimneys
• Brick Grinding
• Retaining Walls
• Parapet Walls
• Exterior and Interior Wall Repair and Replacement
• Painting and Scraping
• MasterProtect Coatings

At Gregg Home Improvements NYC, we know a thing or two about high-quality brickwork in New York City and the surrounding areas. From new builds to historic restorations, our leading industry experts ensure a job done right. Contact us today for a free estimate.

WHAT IS MASONRY AND BRICK RESTORATION?

Over time bricks and masonry can lose their original beauty due to long-term exposure to UV rays and natural elements like snowstorms and hurricanes. Whether it’s through cleaning, staining, painting, or matching the original stone or brickwork, our expert team of masons can restore the natural beauty of brick, stone, or concrete elements on your property. We take pride in our work and only hire the top masons in New York City so that we can deliver the best results to our clients. Gregg Home Improvements NYC is a licensed facade and masonry restoration contractor that specializes in the restoration and repair of brick, masonry, concrete surfaces, and structures. Our team also has extensive experience restoring the masonry of landmarked properties and working with the original stone and brickwork of 19th & 20th century New York City. Call today for a free consultation.

MASONRY AND BRICK RESTORATION SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Brick Steam Cleaning
• Chemepret Waterproofing (approved for landmarked buildings)
• Brick Preservative Application
• Moss Removal and Remediation
• Ivy & Vine Removal
• Brick Pointing
• Tuck Pointing
• Brick Painting & Tinting
• Mortar Recoloring