Did you ever notice crumbling mortar joints or loosening bricks in your building? The facade, retaining wall, or chimney, all of these structures are generally built of brick or concrete blocks. However, with time, these masonry structures become weak and unstable due to mortar deterioration. So, tuckpointing is necessary to restore the lost strength and compactness.
What is tuckpointing? It is the process of replacing the damaged mortar joints. A tuck pointing contractor NYC specializes in removing the old, decayed mortar and installing fresh mortar to revive the structural stability of any masonry construction.
Though bricks and concrete blocks can last for several decades, mortar is vulnerable to damage because of various factors. Let us begin by highlighting the factors responsible for mortar damage before we discuss tuck pointing NYC.
Mortar Deterioration: Primary Causes
Numerous factors are responsible for mortar deterioration in the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, and Richmond Hill. These cities receive extreme temperatures and high precipitation, making a masonry structure more susceptible to mortar damage.
Stated below are the fundamental causes of mortar decay, requiring tuck pointing services:
- Harsh climatic conditions like temperature fluctuations, storms, etc., are substantially responsible for mortar deterioration.
- Dust, pollution, dirt, and grime corrode the surfaces, causing gradual degradation.
- Excessive moisture retention due to heavy rainfall and snowfall causes dampness and weakening of the joints.
- Constant expansion and contraction of mortar leads to cracks and crumbling mortar, which can be fixed only by a licensed tuck pointing contractor NYC.
- Salts and other chemical compounds like sulphur corrode the surface.
- Over-painting with oil-based paints causes consequential damage to mortar.
- Mold, mildew, and organic growth often result in cracking and disintegrating of mortar.
With so many sources of mortar damage, tuckpointing becomes necessary for any masonry construction.
Tuckpointing: The Top Benefits
When you hire brick tuckpointing contractors, you will benefit in the following ways:
- Tuckpointing helps in preventing further mortar damage, which may pose a severe threat to lives and property. Your building might collapse suddenly if the mortar joints are too weak to retain the bond. It is a disastrous outcome anyone would want to escape!
- It improves the overall structural strength and stability of the building while boosting its functionality.
- Tuckpointing prolongs the life of a masonry structure by restoring its solidity and integrity. It will become more durable with added strength.
- Did we talk about weatherproofing? Well, tuckpointing is a great way to weatherproof your building by sealing the gaps between two adjacent bricks or concrete blocks. You can finally put an end to water damage!
- A tuck pointing contractor NYC can help fix damages caused by mold, mildew and organic growth. With the removal of the old mortar, you get rid of these unwanted infestations.
- Mortar deterioration is one of the primary signs of masonry damage. If you ignore the issue, it can lead to extensive impairment, which is irrevocable. You might have to demolish and rebuild the entire structure if you do not fix mortar decay. So, tuckpointing is a cost-effective measure to protect your building from invasive damage.
- Tuckpointing offers you enhanced aesthetic appeal. With the fresh mortar joints, your building looks new and visually pleasing.
- Finally, effective tuckpointing also increases the market value of your property due to the boosted aesthetics.
Conclusion
It is best to tuckpoint your building before the winter to avoid unfavourable weather conditions. However, always choose a reliable and reputed tuck pointing contractor NYC to avoid the risks of unimpressive results that may not last long.
