The elegance of external brickwork fades over time. Even with a maintenance-free life expectancy of 50 to 75 years, this attractive building material often endures decades of harsh weather, air pollution, and paint. Brick restoration returns the exterior of a building to its original state, improving its appearance while also adding value.
Because brickwork lasts so many years, newer construction materials and procedures differ radically from those of a century ago. In order to make a proper match, original the style of mortar and joint finishing must be carefully copied, as well as the color. Before beginning any rejuvenation, a thorough assessment of any deterioration is necessary.
The integrity of the old mortar is a priority. If it can be scraped or shattered with a probing took, it may need re-pointing, a term referring to replacing the old mortar with new. The vertical joints often deteriorate faster due to water, which eats away the surface, and which may cause internal cracks due to cyclical freezing.
While re-pointing rarely needs to be done over an entire exterior, missing or broken bricks will need replacing. Because older pigments fade, finding a suitable match often means using recycled bricks from previously demolished structures in the area, or judiciously moving old material from places that are hidden to those that are visible.
Making a good match also requires using the correct mortar. Lime-based mortar was often used to finish exteriors prior to 1872, but after 1930 most construction methods commonly used a cement-based mortar. In cases where original pigmentation is no longer available, modern compounds make nearly undetectable substitutes that look excellent.
Small repairs to existing brickwork may be ideal for the do-it-yourself homeowner, but major renovation is best undertaken by experienced contractors. Knowing the exact amount of time and materials necessary for Brick Restoration ensures that your project will be completed professionally, and will look its best for another one hundred years.
Because brickwork lasts so many years, newer construction materials and procedures differ radically from those of a century ago. In order to make a proper match, original the style of mortar and joint finishing must be carefully copied, as well as the color. Before beginning any rejuvenation, a thorough assessment of any deterioration is necessary.
The integrity of the old mortar is a priority. If it can be scraped or shattered with a probing took, it may need re-pointing, a term referring to replacing the old mortar with new. The vertical joints often deteriorate faster due to water, which eats away the surface, and which may cause internal cracks due to cyclical freezing.
While re-pointing rarely needs to be done over an entire exterior, missing or broken bricks will need replacing. Because older pigments fade, finding a suitable match often means using recycled bricks from previously demolished structures in the area, or judiciously moving old material from places that are hidden to those that are visible.
Making a good match also requires using the correct mortar. Lime-based mortar was often used to finish exteriors prior to 1872, but after 1930 most construction methods commonly used a cement-based mortar. In cases where original pigmentation is no longer available, modern compounds make nearly undetectable substitutes that look excellent.
Small repairs to existing brickwork may be ideal for the do-it-yourself homeowner, but major renovation is best undertaken by experienced contractors. Knowing the exact amount of time and materials necessary for Brick Restoration ensures that your project will be completed professionally, and will look its best for another one hundred years.
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