Masonry Repair Long Island is the process of fixing brick or stone structures. This can include filling cracks, repointing, resurfacing and lintel replacement.
Addressing masonry issues early on can prevent major problems and save you money in the long run. Keep an eye out for brick spalling, discoloration, algae growth and efflorescence.
Masonry is the process of building with bricks and stones. It’s an essential skill for constructing old city buildings and other historic structures, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Over time, brick and stone can develop structural damage and need repairs. Often, the first sign of this is cracking, chipping, and crumbling. If left untreated, these issues can lead to significant damage and even cause the structure to collapse.
A common problem with masonry is efflorescence, which can appear as white crystalline salt build-ups on porous surfaces. These deposits occur when soluble alkali salts move to the surface through water in a weathering process and then evaporate. These stains can be unsightly and hard to remove. Attempting to scrape, sand or scrub them away often leaves behind more salt deposits. Covering them with paint only makes them more noticeable. In addition, the salts can clog pipes and cause other problems.
To get rid of efflorescence, you must remove the source of the water that’s causing it to form. This can be done by rinsing the affected surface using a garden hose or washer pressure machine, depending on where the efflorescence is located. After rinsing, the surface should be completely dry. This will prevent more efflorescence from forming in the future.
Alternatively, you can use a non-toxic and environment-friendly solution like RadonSeal Efflorescence Cleaner. This product contains a proprietary blend of non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients that effectively breaks down and dissolves efflorescence and other mineral deposits. This cleaner can be used on concrete, brick and masonry surfaces both indoors and outdoors. However, before you apply the solution, ensure that the surface is clean and free of dirt, dust, oil and grease. It’s also important to mask fixtures, windows, soft metals and plants to avoid over-spraying.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs of masonry damage, it’s best to call a mason for a repair job as soon as possible. They’ll be able to fix the immediate issue and determine whether it’s a symptom of an underlying issue that requires a full restoration. Masonry repairs and restorations are different in scope; repairs address specific areas while restorations focus on restoring the entire structure.
Tuckpointing
Brick is one of the most durable materials for building construction, but even brick structures will require masonry repair from time to time. Tuckpointing is the process of replacing old, crumbling mortar in the joints between bricks or stone. The new mortar is then blended in with the existing brick to restore the structural integrity of a chimney or wall while enhancing its appearance.
When it comes to tuckpointing, the earlier you address the issue, the better. If you wait too long, the mortar joints may begin to decay and eventually break down. This can cause water to seep into the brick surface, leading to mold, mildew, and rot. Regular tuckpointing can prevent this from happening, saving you money in the long run and preserving the structural integrity of your brick walls.
Masonry experts will use a combination of tools to remove the old, damaged mortar from the joints between bricks. They will also inspect the brick structure for signs of additional problems. After removing the old mortar, they will prepare the area for tuckpointing by laying down a ground cloth to catch any dirt or chunks of mortar that may fall off during the process. They will then use a hammer and chisel to chip away at the remaining mortar until it is approximately 3/4″ deep.
The mortar in a brick wall serves more than just a decorative purpose, as it also provides a protective barrier from moisture. When the mortar starts to deteriorate, it can let water into the bricks and lead to expensive repairs. Regular tuckpointing can help prevent this from occurring by maintaining a strong mortar joint and keeping moisture out of the structure.
It is important to note that tuckpointing should only be done by professionals who have experience in this field. This is because the process requires extreme degrees of precision to create level mortar joints that are pleasing to the eye. An experienced tuckpointing professional will be able to assess whether or not your bricks and mortar need to be tucked pointed, as well as which type of mortar is best for the job at hand.
Sealing
When applied to a sound, dry substrate, DRYLOK Siloxane 7 Brick & Masonry Penetrating Sealer can add years to the life of a masonry surface. It protects against water penetration that can lead to efflorescence, spalling, cracking and other moisture related damage.
Before a sealant is applied to masonry, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned. This step includes removing any dirt, debris or old sealant from the area to be treated and making sure the surface is free of cracks, holes or loose mortar. After the masonry has been cleaned, it should be allowed to completely dry.
This is especially important for older masonry structures where cracks or disrepair can indicate larger structural problems. In addition, a reputable masonry contractor will use construction methods that do not cause any damage to the underlying structure.
A good quality brick sealer can also help eliminate that gritty feel that many indoor brick surfaces and outdoor paved areas have. It can also reduce the amount of moisture that masonry absorbs, which can be particularly damaging in certain climates.
There are different types of masonry sealing products on the market, including acrylics, polyurethane and epoxy. A good masonry specialist will be able to recommend the right product for your specific needs. The type of sealant chosen will depend on moisture exposure, required breathability and appearance.
While repairs focus on individual components of a structure, restorations are more holistic in scope. They may include repointing the mortar, replacing damaged stones and restoring the original appearance of the structure. Restorations can be costly, but they can also restore the beauty and value of a building or historic landmark.
A masonry service should be able to provide both repair and restoration services, depending on the needs of the customer and the condition of the structure. However, it is important to remember that a repair is not a replacement for a restoration, and a building or historical landmark should only be repaired with the appropriate materials for its age and style. For example, a Victorian-era home should only be repaired with period-appropriate bricks.
Replacement
Masonry is an ancient construction method that uses bricks and stones to build walls, columns, and other functional or decorative structures. It is strong and long-lasting, but like any building material, it must be cared for to keep it looking good and working well. If you notice signs of masonry deterioration, including cracks in the mortar or crumbling brick, it is important to call for a professional masonry repair company as soon as possible.
Masonary repairs can take many forms, depending on the nature of the damage and the condition of the stone or bricks. For example, if the masonry has become stained and discolored over time, it may require cleaning or sandblasting. Tuckpointing, on the other hand, involves patching and plugging gaps in the mortar. This is done by using a new mortar that matches the existing color, and it can also include adding a thin line of contrasting putty filler to make the surface crisp and clean.
More serious problems with masonry often require replacement. This can be done in several ways, from laying a new foundation to simply replacing old bricks or mortar that have lost their structural integrity. Brick slips, for example, are a type of partial brick replacement that is used in situations where the brick faces will be damaged if full-size bricks are replaced.
Other types of replacement may involve cutting out and replacing a section of the wall or structure with new materials to ensure it is safe and sound. This is called restoration and requires a significant amount of work to do correctly. Restorations can be done to both residential and commercial buildings, and they are especially important in historic areas where a building needs to preserve its original appearance while making essential repairs.
In general, a building made of masonry will need to undergo some form of repair or restoration at some point in its lifespan. This is usually due to weathering and natural wear and tear, but it could also be the result of foundation issues or other major damage. Suppose you are noticing any signs of masonry deterioration, such as cracks in the mortar or crumbling bricks. In that case, it is important to contact a professional masonry company for a repair or restoration project as soon as possible to prevent the problem from worsening.