Brick Pointing in Philadelphia – Restore Strength, Beauty, and Value to Your Property
The city of Philadelphia is paved in brick when you go through it. As old as rowhouses, modern commercial buildings, everything always had some brickwork. However, as time goes on, you will find that mortar joints can be eroded by weather, pollution and natural erosion, leaving you without protection of your own walls.
That is where brick pointing comes in a basic yet effective service that will not only bring back beauty but also save your property against any form of damage. You may have noticed rotting mortar or loose bricks, and this article will explain why the process of brick pointing in Philadelphia is necessary, how it happens, and why you should invest in it today and save thousands of dollars in pain and suffering later.
What Is Brick Pointing and Why?
Brick pointing, also known as repointing, is the process of restoring and repairing the mortar joints that hold bricks together. Mortar is not simply cosmetic, it binds the bricks in place and prevents any water and weather erosion. Over time, mortar begins to crack and lose its strength as it faces Philadelphia’s harsh winters, humid summers, and frequent heavy rains. Otherwise, this will enable water to creep in and cause structural damages, molds, and even expensive foundational problems.
Real estate and business proprietors in Philadelphia investing in professional brick pointing are certain that their buildings can withstand climate, the framework is stable, and the front lawn is beautified. New mortar will also make your building look cleaner and polished, by adding value to the property.
Why Philadelphia Homes Need Brick Pointing More Than Ever
Philadelphia is home to some of the nation’s oldest and most historic brick structures. Though such a history adds personality to the city, it also results in a large number of properties that need constant repair. Freeze-thaw cycles, salt of the roads and air pollution are especially sensitive to antique bricks and mortar mixtures.
If not well maintained, there is an increase in the mortar joint cracks with every season and the bricks are left loose and unstable. In the case of rowhomes where walls are shared, a dilapidated building can even compromise the safety of its neighbors. This is why the local specialists recommend to undertake frequent pointing of the bricks in Philadelphia to maintain the traditional beauty and the contemporary safety standards.
Benefits of Professional Brick Pointing
Brick pointing, when performed by skilled masons, has a variety of long-term advantages:
Structural Strength Safety
New mortar makes the wall even stronger so that even in severe weather, the building is not destroyed.
Prevents Water Damage
Mortar joints should be properly sealed to prevent water from seeping behind the bricks to avoid leaks, mould, and interior damage.
Enhances Curb Appeal
Defined straight mortar lines immediately give a building the appearance of being new and in good condition, increasing the attractiveness of the neighborhood and the price of homes.
Increases Property Value
Homes and businesses with fewer repair needs appeal more to the buyers. Brick pointing is an investment that will pay back at the time of selling your property.
Cost-Effective Maintenance
Minor mortar problems are detected early enough and save thousands of dollars in repairs. Repointing costs much less than rebuilding a ruined wall does.
Signs You Need Brick Pointing in Philadelphia
Do you not know whether your building or house requires brick pointing? Look for these warning signs:
- Mortar that has become loose or has crumbled away between the bricks.
- The lines of the mortar can be seen with cracks or gaps.
- On the surface, white deposits of powder (so-called efflorescence).
- There is a lot of movement and loosening of the bricks.
- Water stains are appearing on interior walls near the brickwork.
When you see any of these, you need a brick pointing expert in Philadelphia before the area gets out of control.
The Brick Pointing Process
Professional contractors essentially have a meticulous procedure on how to restore your brickwork:
- Inspection: Professionals carefully examine the brick and mortar to identify damaged or weak areas.
- Removal of mortar: Old mortar that has damaged the bricks is removed very carefully without damaging the bricks.
- Remixing New Mortar: A new mortar mix is made that is similar to the original in color and strength.
- Repointing: It involves carefully applying fresh mortar into the brick joints to create a strong bond and a clean, polished finish.
- Final Coats: Over excess mortar is removed, leaving behind clean walls that are as well finished as possible.
This will provide long-term effectiveness to provide not only protection, but also to beautify your property.
Choosing the Right Brick Pointing Contractor in Philadelphia
Masonry contractors are not all the same. To achieve the greatest success, one should seek:
- There are also experienced and certified and insured personnel who deal in pointing bricks.
- Local climatic knowledge of Philadelphia and historic buildings by local contractors.
- Testimonials and good comments from past customers.
- It has transparent and visible prices and no hidden costs.
A reliable installer will also send before and after pictures of their work so you can view the difference that good brick pointing can make.
Brick Pointing vs. Tuckpointing: What’s the Difference?
Tuckpointing and brick pointing can be confused by many people. The two are similar but to a slight extent different. Repair and renewal of damaged mortar is called brick pointing, and tuckpointing is more decorative, with contrasting mortar colors giving the appearance of crisp, fine joints. Most houses in Philadelphia need to have brick pointing to make them strong, but tuckpointing may be used as an added visual effect.
Final Thoughts
Brick pointing is not just a cosmetic enhancement. It is a vital part of keeping homes and buildings in Philadelphia strong and beautiful, and valuable. Be it a rowhouse in Old City or a townhouse in South Philly, the easier way to invest in your property is to have it professionally pointed so that decades on, it is still standing.
As long as you are willing to reclaim the beauty of your building and protect it against future attacks, there is no need to wait until little cracks become big issues. Contact a reputable Philadelphia brick pointing contractor and get your property some of the attention it warrants.