Repointing
The repair of deteriorated mortar is called repointing and is one of the most common restoration services BRC provides. Our skilled craftspeople have mastered the art of repointing using all types of mortar, historic or modern, and take pride in their ability to match or replicate any mortar joint profile based on the requirements of the project.
Mortar Removal
Mortar removal is the process of removing the deteriorated mortar using the most sensitive means possible based on the materiality of the façade. At BRC we allow the building to inform us on the best mortar removal method for each project. We employ pneumatic or electric saws, grinders, and chisels on our projects, as well as the “center cut method” and hand chiseling where applicable. Mortar removal depth is also carefully considered and is project specific based on the depth of deterioration or the specified requirements of a project.
Mortar Selection
A successful repointing project must consider all the material compatibility requirements based on the original materiality of the masonry wall. Our management team and skilled masons understand the importance of mortar compatibility when selecting a mortar for any project.
It is imperative to consider the material properties of the masonry units as well. The mortar must be softer and more permeable than the masonry units, while also replicating the performance and aesthetic properties of the original mortar itself. We follow the guidelines of the National Park Service as presented in Preservation Brief #2 “Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Buildings.”
Along with our extensive portfolio of historic masonry restoration projects BRC also provides repointing services to modern buildings using PCL mortars that are custom formulated to mimic the properties of the original mortar. In cases when the original mortar is discovered to be the root cause of premature masonry failures, we will study the façade and its material properties to better inform us on how to reformulate a replacement mortar that is sensitive to the needs of the masonry assembly.
