Older buildings often have a lot of character. There are both homes and office buildings built from brick that is both beautiful to look at and built to last for hundreds of years. Like any type of building material, however, brick won’t last forever. That is why brick pointing in Philadelphia, PA may be necessary to ensure the safety of a building and to restore the way that it looks.
What is Brick Pointing?
As a building built with brick ages, the mortar used between the bricks can deteriorate. The older a building, the more prone it is to this deterioration. Buildings that are subjected to extreme weather will have mortar issues sooner than those in a more temperate climate. Brick pointing is the process of replacing the mortar that has deteriorated.
Why Conduct Brick Pointing?
When the mortar deteriorates, it can create a couple of issues. The most common issue is that the gaps in the mortar will allow moisture to get into the building. This can create mold and further deteriorate the mortar and, eventually, impact the bricks as well.
A less common issue is structural failure. If let go too long, it’s possible for the wall to actually fail, which could result in expensive repairs or even the building being condemned. That’s why professional brick pointing in Philadelphia, PA is necessary.
Why Professional Repair?
It can be tempting for a homeowner to attempt their own brick pointing, but there are a couple of reasons it’s better to go with a professional. The first reason is that they will know how to properly mix the mortar so the repairs are effective and provide an effective barrier.
Another reason a professional is an important asset is that they can match the mortar to existing mortar so it doesn’t look like repairs are done. When it comes to the way a building looks, this can be very important, especially if the building will be sold at any time in the future.
Lastly, a professional knows the proper way to prep for the new mortar. It’s not as simple as slapping new mortar over the old. It needs to be ground, evened out, and then applied appropriately.
If your building isn’t looking good, brick pointing may be necessary. Give Mara Restoration a call to get a quote to repair your brick building.
