Extreme weather conditions affect the mortar in brickwork adversely. Both hot and cold climates have a havoc impact on any brickwork, deteriorating the mortar bonding and curtailing the strength and stability of the structure. Mortar, which is a mix of Portland cement, lime, and sand, is the fundamental element imparting compactness and solidity in brick, stone, and concrete constructions.
You are perhaps acquainted with frost attacks in bricks occurring due to freezing temperatures. So, it is always recommended to undergo brick pointing in NYC before winter hits. Nonetheless, extreme heat also causes significant damage to mortar joints, which are often understated.
So, how do harsh weather conditions affect mortar joints? What are the ways to fix them? Let us find it out in the following discussion.
Impact of Heat on Mortar
Hot weather implies rising temperatures, dry winds, and low moisture. In such scenarios, your brickwork experiences critical conditions affecting the overall structural solidity and vigor. Mortar joints are heavily impacted if you do not execute brick re-pointing NYC promptly.
Here is what happens to mortar:
- On very hot days, brick, stone, and concrete blocks lose moisture rapidly. Being porous, these materials also absorb water from the surrounding mortar joints.
- With rapid moisture loss from the mortar joints as well, they tend to shrink, creating a gap or crevice between two adjacent masonry blocks.
- With the persistent occurrence of the event, mortar joints become loose and unstable. You may also notice missing mortar when the phenomenon happens for years.
- Therefore, the entire structure weakens and becomes susceptible to sudden failure.
The best solution to combat the circumstance is to keep your masonry structure moist during summers and ensure proper maintenance through brick pointing in NYC.
Mortar in Cold Weather
Winter brings along freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and blizzards. Undoubtedly, it causes significant damage to the mortar joints in the following ways:
- When snow settles on brick, stone, or concrete blocks for too long, it forms a layer of thick sheet that is often challenging to remove.
- As the sun comes up and snow starts melting, water seeps into the cracks and crevices.
- When this water freezes, it expands, and the cracks become wider and deeper. It is called a frost attack.
- The process leads to the weakening of the mortar joints, and it can easily crumble and disintegrate.
- A weak mortar joint is the primary source of masonry failure.
Brick re-pointing NYC can however help combat frost attacks when executed timely.
Benefits of Brick Pointing
Brick pointing in NYC proposes excellent benefits in tackling harsh weather. How?
- It strengthens the mortar joints by filling in gaps and crevices and replacing old, crumbling mortar. When the joints are secured, the structure poses improved structural integrity and stability. It poses greater strength to withstand extreme climate conditions.
- With brick pointing, you can protect your masonry construction from moisture attack. It prevents water seepage in the inner layers, resisting erosion and corrosion. The building remains structurally sound and functional.
- Brick re-pointing NYC helps in curtailing regular maintenance. When you have a stronger and safer masonry structure, there is no need for regular maintenance because the construction is less likely to crack or crumble under stress and external elements.
- Lastly, for enhanced longevity of your property, there is no better alternative than brick pointing. It secures your property with additional service life, and you can enjoy a safer living environment.
To conclude, brick pointing is a potential tool for aiding superior weather protection.
