Gilrace Masonry & Waterproofing Inc. has just completed brick re-pointing and restoration on the Marriott Custom House, 3 McKinley Square in Boston, MA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below is some key points to take into consideration when a commercial building or historical home needs re-pointing and restoration services.

The Brick Re-Pointing Process

Once Gilrace Masonry has discovered the recipe for your new mortar, our masonry team will begin your re-pointing project by removing your old mortar. Mortar removal is performed using a combination of hand chisels and mechanical grinders. It is a job that must be done very carefully, in order to avoid causing any unnecessary damage to the bricks and stones on your building. To guarantee that you will receive quality results, you should ask your masonry contractor how they will be removing your old mortar and request to see pictures of their finished works.

Once the old mortar is removed, the joints of the masonry units are washed out with water and left moist to prevent bricks and stones from absorbing the water in the new mortar. This would weaken the setting mix and lead to inferior results. Then the new mortar is applied in quarter-inch layers, until the joints are completely filled again and your home is restored.

 Mortar repair

Some contractors have been known to use saws, when removing old mortar, which can lead to unnaturally squared joints and damage to bricks and stones. Do not take anyone’s word about their skill level, without proof. And do not settle for a contractor simply because they have offered you the lowest estimate. Protect your building and your pocketbook and request references along with photographs, before entering into any labor agreement.

If the mortar of your masonry commercial property or home in Boston is beginning to crack and crumble, please feel free to contact Gilrace Masonry and we will send a specialist to your area.