Brick Pointing And How To Know If A Building Needs It

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Brick Pointing And How To Know If A Building
Needs It
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• When mortar joints found between masonry
  materials such as brick and stone are finished,
  this is known as pointing,. While masonry
  materials are typically long lasting and strong
  when used in construction, the mortar, however,
  isnt quite as indestructible and needs periodic
  maintenance to ensure and maintain structural
  integrity.
• Thats pointing but what is repointing?
• To help improve a structures integrity and
  appearance, a masonry contractor may remove any
  mortar that has deteriorated or become damaged
  between the joints, and replace it with fresh
  mortar, in a process known as repointing.

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• While repointing is undoubtedly advantageous, it
  may not always be the right solution to a
  perceived problem with a masonry structure. To
  this end, its important to seek professional
  advice before assuming that repointing will
  remedy the problem, and certainly before
  attempting to carry it out yourself.
• What happens during repointing?
• Lets take a closer look at the process as a
  whole, so that if your masonry structure requires
  repointing, youll know what to expect when the
  contractors arrive on site

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• Firstly, an inspection and assessment will take
  place
• Before any work can get underway, the structure
  in question must be thoroughly assessed so that
  the masonry contractor can determine the extent
  of the damage, and get a better idea of exactly
  how much repointing may be required.
• Secondly, the right materials will be purchased
• Matching the new materials to be used in the
  repair work with the old, is imperative for the
  aesthetic appeal of a structure, and your masonry
  contractor will try their best to find a perfect
  match. Additionally, the mortar used should also
  have a similar appearance and strength to the
  original mortar, so that both new and old joints
  can share the same amount of give. Failure to
  match mortars may cause stress to the structure
  and lead to cracks.

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• Next, the old mortar is removed
• The masonry contractor will carefully begin to
  remove the old mortar from all of the damaged
  joints, and once complete, they will meticulously
  clean each joint before theyre filled with the
  new mortar.
• Finally, the new mortar is applied
• Beginning with the sections of the wall that have
  the deepest recessions, the masonry contractor
  will start to apply several layers of the mortar,
  manipulating it in such a way as to reflect the
  desired style and composition.

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• How often should you repoint your brickwork?
• In general (although many variables can impact
  this period of time), mortar can hold up well for
  as long as 25 years, and the majority of
  buildings wont require repointing work until
  after this period.
• What can happen if you fail to have a masonry
  structure repointed?
• As with many masonry issues, leaving the problem
  to fix itself or go away, typically results in
  further and more extensive damage to the
  structure. In some instances, moisture may even
  begin to seep into the walls, compromising the
  structural integrity of the building or wall as a
  whole.

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• Knowing whether you need repointing work from an
  experienced masonry contractor is usually
  reasonably straightforward if you can see cracks
  in the mortar, gaps between the building
  materials, loose bricks or stone, or have
  detected water permeating the structure,
  repointing is likely required.

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• At I.T.M Construction Corp. is one of the best
  general contractors in Astoria, Queens NY. Our
  family owned and operated business has been
  providing valued clients in Astoria, Queens and
  beyond, with a variety of high quality
  construction and roofing services for almost two
  decades. Whatever your needs, weve got a skilled
  contractor to handle them, and with fair pricing
  and quality workmanship. If you are looking for
  brick pointing masonry contractors Astoria,
  contact us at 718-956-8483.