Activity

Brick pointing or repointing, as it is called, is an essential part of the repair off a house and quite a costly process because of the detailed work that it involves. It is a work that takes a lot of patience. The procedure involves using fine tools as well as the correct combination of mortar for filling out the horizontal and vertical gaps inside the walls. The process can be used on old in addition to new walls to be still stronger. Many people opt for simply applying a layer of mortar within the old one in an attempt to economize, but that does not ensure longevity.

Types of mortars

The process involved as a result is simple, and you will try to do-it-yourself. But without proper tools the finish product will not be even near to what you desire. On the other hand, the choice of materials in the mortar is vital. The ideal aspect to use is a lime mortar, but some people choose various kinds of cement so that they have to work less, and also the mix dries easily too. A serious builder will, however, want to use the original mix and make a good job than it. The house owner also need to be aware of the consequences of different mixes on the wall.

Know the technique

Some get the mortar analyzed to understand the proportion of the materials although some check the sound a piece of the dry mix makes traveling. A high-pitched sound will be made if you have a lot of cement within it. But if there is certainly lime mortar in it then the sound will probably be like a muffled thud. Taking out the dry mortar is hard and has to be done painstakingly so you don’t wind up chipping the wall or even the edges. You may use an electric grinder to pay off the joints fast while
local law 11 contractor Brooklyn however it would require a lot of control and skill.

Refilling the grids

Grinders can easily damage the walls using the kind of force they’ve. Therefore many builders prefer hand-chiseling which takes a lot of time, however the walls aren’t damaged by any means. Refilling the joints must be done carefully adding layer after layer up until the mortar is thumbprint-firm. The protrusions are stop, and a brushing emerges which makes it look clean. The walls of Brick pointing have being cleaned ahead of the work done because mortar will not stick to dust. It must be made wet with water too both pre and post the work so it dries but not too quickly.

Continue with the rules

There are some very important rules that ought to be followed while you’re repointing. If the mortar has lost around ? of the original depth it has to be chiseled out and reworked. The joints need to be cleaned out to twice the depth for much better work. Cutting or detaching the original skin will increase the decay from the walls. The effectiveness of the bricks must be measured so you know which mortar to utilize. The work should be carried out when the temperature is between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit because mortar becomes brittle within the cold while heat dries out thoroughly.

Select the right builder

If you’re doing the work using lime mortar, then it is best to maintain it damp for several days before work. If you wish to slow down the rate of evaporation, use plastic sheets around the front. If the sheets happen to be removed, the wall needs to be made wet every once in awhile so that the walls harden faster. Taking into consideration the tedious technique of repointing the walls, it is best to leave it to experts who are well conscious of the rules and the method. You need to ask for references from experienced people who have got it done for their houses.

Look at the rates

Experts may also be looked up on the Internet. Most have dedicated websites of their very own, and you can look for out the testimonials before employing anyone for the work. You can check out the number of years they have been in the profession along with what are the methods applied. Be sure to check the charge for your work. Comparing rates with other people is a good idea to ensure that you are not paying more.