Matching Your Exterior Brick Mortar
Matching Your Mortar
Matching the mortar that was originally used during the construction of your property is vital, because you want to create a seamless finish that allows the re-pointed sections of your building to blend in perfectly with any joints that were not refurbished. Additionally, you want the new mortar to function in the same capacity as the original.
New mortar needs to be as water permeable as the mortar that was originally in place. This means that it needs to be able to draw water away from bricks and stones equally as well as the original mix.
New mortar must be softer than the bricks or stones that it will be supporting. This is so the building will still have the same level of “give” or support as it had when first erected.
If the new mortar is denser and harder than the masonry units that it will be supporting, it will not provide any margin of flexibility, when the building shifts or settles. This will ultimately lead to cracking and crumbling in both the mortar and the masonry units themselves, which can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars of damages that could have been avoided.
Getting the Right Mortar Recipe
Accurate recipes for mortar combinations can be achieved through laboratory analyses, which may sound very complex and over the top. However, they are really quite commonplace in cities, such as Boston, that contain so many historical buildings and districts.
We work with a network of local preservation and conservation specialists to ensure that the work we perform is done with precision and in accordance with the guidelines of contemporary preservation practices. We know that many of the properties that we work on are more than just businesses; they are landmarks, and they are a part of the history of our city.
If you have noticed that the mortar of your commercial masonry building has begun to show signs of aging or disintegration, call our team today and schedule your free on-site consultation and estimate. Our team uses a proven combination of old-fashioned principles and modern technology to produce results that leave our clients both satisfied and amazed.
Our team provides professional masonry repair in Boston. We have extensive experience working with both architects and conservation specialists to ensure that your commercial property is restored properly. And we will take every element of your building’s needs into consideration, before our work begins.