5 Signs That Make Brick Pointing Essential

Pointing bricks is among the most crucial maintenance works for any property with brickwork. As time passes, the mortar joints between bricks can erode leading to degraded structural and aesthetic value. If neglected, these issues can endanger the safety of your building and nursing any further decrement will be even more trouble. Good news, though, brick pointing in NYC is a professional service that aims to restrain and preserve the durability of all your bricks.  

In this blog, we will present to you five signs that indicate your property needs some pointing bricks. Recognizing these first signs can save you a lot of time and money in the long run and will repair and preserve your brickwork for decades to come. Whether it’s a residential home, a commercial property, or a historical building, your brick facade needs regular maintenance.

1. Cracked or Deteriorating Mortar Joints

Why Mortar is Deteriorating

Cracked, crumbling, or deteriorating mortar joints are among the most common signs that your property needs brick pointing. Mortar holds the bricks together and provides a wall with some structural stability. Cracks in mortar joints walls happen because of several reasons. They include natural wear and tear, weather conditions, and building foundation settlement. Cracks in mortar joints walls is a significant problem. If left untreated, these cracks allow moisture to penetrate into the brick work. Moisture can result in a host of other damages.

How Brick Pointing Restores Stability

Brick pointing is the process of removing damage and replacing it with new mortar. This process restores the bricks binding together and restores the structural wall integrity. Reliable and professional brick pointing services in NYC ensure dedication and commitment to repairing damaged joints with mortar that matches the original.

2. Visible Water Damage or Moisture

Water Infiltration Risks

One of the most serious threats associated with damaged mortar joints is water infiltration. Because mortar is decaying and deteriorating, the bricks will seal even more loosely, permitting water to seep inside the walls. Over time, this moisture will cause mold, mildew, and rotting of the wood. Additionally, it will cause the metals to rust and damage the structure of the building.  

How Brick Pointing Stops Further Damage  

Brick Pointing is essential to stopping water from getting inside your property. Moisture gets the mortar joints to deteriorate more quickly, which is why it is important to fill those joints with durable, water-resistant materials, thereby reducing the moisture infiltration point. This protects from water damage and structural degradation in the future, which saves money and protects the building’s integrity.

3. Movement or Loosened Brick Sections

What Makes Handsome Loosened and Shifting Bricks?

Another noticeable sign that something is likely in need of brick pointing is loose and shifting bricks. Ever so slowly, due to causes like weather exposure and natural disasters, and time in general, bricks are going to lose the mortar that is supposed to keep them locked in. Once that mortar is lost, it becomes highly likely that the bricks are going to lose their position and potentially even fall out. There is also the serious problem of gaps in the wall, which is not good.

How Brick Pointing Helps To Secure Your Bricks

When bricks lag and lose their position, brick pointing can replace the lost mortar in the bricks, helping mitigate further loss of mortar stability. This stops them from being in further danger of losing their position. This is why it is so critical to have brick pointing done. Especially if the lost mortar has already been removed, as brick pointing usually mitigates the risk of more expensive options being required.

4. Spalling Bricks or Flaking Surfaces

Understanding Spalling and Its Causes

Moisture becomes trapped in the bricks and creates freezing and thawing cycles, which causes the brick’s surface to begin to deteriorate, chipping, cracking, and flaking. Spalling bricks can affect more than the appearance of your building and can lead to severe compromised structural integrity of the brickwork. Extended time leads to spalling’s damaged bricks further weakening, leading to more extensive damage.  

How Brick Pointing Helps in Spalling Restoration

Brick pointing solves issues with voids caused by spalling and the associated mortar, by removing the damaged mortar and filling the affected areas with new mortar. This process helps to further shelter the bricks surrounding the voids,resulting in  less spalling. If the bricks themselves are damaged beyond repair, brick replacement is the next best option, while brick pointing helps maintain the wall’s overall structure and integrity.

5. Problems When There is Discoloration or Staining on the Brickwork

What is Causing the Discoloration?

All brickwork is susceptible to discoloration and staining. Gradually over the years, environmental factors such as rain, pollution, and location will cause staining. Stains and discoloration are mortar joint deficiencies. They form gaps in the joints permitting rain and pollution to penetrate the wall. Erosion of the mortar joins they’re displaced and leave the brick face with disfigurements. And discoloration of stains are less visually appealing. 

How Brick Pointing Helps to Discoloration 

Restoration of stained mortar augments the brickwork, while discoloration helps in losing the appeal of the structure. Brick pointing helps in restoration of mortar deficiencies and augments the visual appeal at the same time. Through removal and replacement with uniform joints, stained mortar is repaired and uniformity is achieved with mortar joints. It helps in restoration of historic buildings and structures. To commercial buildings and historic properties, visual appeal is as important as structural safety and stability.

Why is Brick Pointing NYC Your Best Choice for Brick Pointing Services in NYC?

If you see some of these signs, you should book brick pointing services right away. Here at Bricks Pointing NY, we provide high-quality masonry repairs, including brick pointing and tuckpointing repairs, so your building looks great and stays safe. 

Skilled and Experienced Workers

None of our NYC brick pointing contractors’ experience will go to waste. From the smallest residential repairs to the biggest commercial restorations, we use the finest materials and best techniques to guarantee a job well done. 

Residential & Commercial are NYC Compliant

We are fully licensed and insured, and so we can guarantee our work will adhere to all NYC building codes and meet the requirements of Local Law 11 and facade inspections. Your building is safe with us. 

Customer Satisfaction

We promise the best to our customers. From your first consultation with us to your final inspection, we work to deliver outstanding experiences and results through services that are high in quality.

Conclusion

Don’t be the property owner that is ignoring the signs of risk. Brick pointing and tuckpointing are absolute necessities. Ask yourself if your brick structures appear safe, secure, and visually appealing. If the answer is anything but yes, it is time to take action before thousands of dollars in damages are incurred. Our service is needed for every type of property, whether commercial structures, historical buildings, or residential properties. Make sure that your property retains its desired aesthetic and is structurally sound. Brick pointing is a smart investment.

Don’t ignore the signs of potential damage. To keep your brickwork strong and attractive for years to come, schedule a quality service with Bricks Pointing NYC for a professional assessment of damage today.