Brick mortar plays a crucial dual role in construction: it binds bricks together, ensuring structural integrity, and acts as a protective seal against moisture, pests, and cold air. Composed mainly of sand, lime, and water, mortar’s porous nature enables it to absorb and release moisture without compromising its strength.
Understanding Mortar Deterioration Factors Contributing to Brick Mortar Deterioration
- Weathering: Prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions, especially freeze-thaw cycles, leads to mortar expansion and contraction, causing cracks.
- Salts: The presence of salts in bricks or the environment can result in “efflorescence,” a white, powdery substance on the surface.
- Physical Damage: External impacts, such as from tree branches or accidental hits, can cause mortar to crumble.
- Structural Damage: Settling foundations can lead to cracks in brick joints.
- Aging: Over decades, mortar naturally breaks down, losing its binding properties.
Impact of Deteriorated Mortar
- Structural Compromise: Deteriorated mortar can cause bricks to become loose, posing a risk of collapse.
- Water Infiltration: Gaps in mortar allow water entry, leading to further degradation, potential interior damage, mold growth, and wood rot.
- Thermal Inefficiency: Large cracks or missing mortar can result in drafts, increasing heating and cooling costs.
- Decreased Property Value: Visibly deteriorated mortar signals potential issues, decreasing the property’s market value.
Steps to Repairing Brick Mortar
For small repairs, follow these steps:
- Removing Old Brick Mortar: Use a narrow chisel or power tools to remove damaged mortar, creating a clean joint.
- Preparing the Joints: Clean joints thoroughly to ensure proper bonding of new mortar.
- Mixing the New Mortar: Consider the type, age, and color of existing mortar; purchase Type-S mortar for a matching mixture.
- Applying the Mortar: Use a pointing trowel to press mortar into joints, smoothing the surface to align with existing lines.
When to Call Professionals
Certain situations require professional masons:
- Tinted Mortar Mix: For accurate color matching, professionals are needed.
- Extensive Cracks: Repairs involving numerous bricks.
- Hard-to-Reach Areas: Old mortar in challenging locations like chimneys.
- Tuckpointed Joints: Complex process requiring expertise.
- Highly Visible Areas: Repairs in prominent locations.
For brick mortar repairs in the New York City metro area, contact BEST BUDGET CONSTRUCTION for a FREE consultation. Call us today at 917-674-9488 to ensure expert color-matching and quality repairs.
