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What do you see walking down the streets of New York City? Fascinating tall skyscrapers clustering the cityscape with a spectacular view, right? Unfortunately, the global impact of climate change has brought about a drastic effect on brick structures. Especially when you live in cities like the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, and Richmond Hill, you encounter extreme climates which affect not only living beings but masonry as well.

NYC experiences harsh weather almost throughout the year, with excessive heat, rain, and snow. Also, don’t forget the occasional thunderstorms that can go from mild to wild! In such a scenario, brickwork undergoes considerable stress, leading to numerous superficial and structural damages. Thankfully, brick power washing NYC can restore brickwork by removing potentially harmful buildups from the surface.

Power washing is an efficient and cost-effective solution to safeguard the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of brickworks. In this blog, we will learn how extreme climate affects brickwork adversely and ways power washing can reinstate its condition. So, let’s begin.

What Happens to Brick in Extreme Climates?

Typically, NYC has long, humid, and uncomfortable summers with frequent thunderstorms. And the winters are freezing as the temperature goes below zero, followed by heavy snowfall. Thus, mortar and brick encounter severe damage. These include:

• In hot summer days, brick and mortar rapidly loses moisture, which results in shrinkage. As a result, cracks and gaps occur. When it happens repeatedly, mortar loses its strength and disintegrates. Brick pressure washing can restrict further damage. How? We will discuss it in the following section.
• When mortar joints crumble, they become susceptible to moisture infiltration. Excessive moisture leads to efflorescence, molds, and mildew, which compromises the aesthetic appeal of the construction.
• Trapped moisture also results in stains, discoloration, and peeling paint, which are unsightly and imposes potential risks.
• During freezing winters, snowfall settles as a thick layer on brick surfaces. As the sun comes up, the snow melts and seeps through the pores and holes.
• When moisture within the brick freezes, it expands, causing wide, open cracks. With persistent freeze-thaw cycles, mortar joints become weak and crumble. Thus, the brickwork encounters critical structural failure. Brick washing NYC is an effective way to strengthen brickwork and restore integrity and aesthetics.

The Role of Brick Power Washing

Power washing is one of the most economical and convenient ways to remove dirt, grime, stains, and other unwanted buildups on brick surfaces. It is a safe brick cleaning procedure when conducted by professionals because they know the appropriate tools and techniques which can clean masonry surfaces without damage. So, how is brick cleaning NYC beneficial to your property?

• Remove Debris– Over time, molds, mildew, algae, efflorescence, and other unwanted debris accumulate on brick surfaces. Since brick is porous, these materials can easily affect the inner layers, deteriorating the strength and stability of the structure. Nonetheless, power washing can help you get rid of organic growths and other deposits, protecting functionality and sturdiness.
• Prevent Further Damage– As you know, mortar joints crumble due to freeze-thaw cycles and moisture intrusion. Additionally, the roots of unwanted vegetation, like fungi, algae, vines, etc., aggravate the problem, causing large-scale damage. But, when you power wash brick home, you can safely remove these growths and restrict further structural deterioration.
• Prolong Lifespan– Brickwork can last for years with adequate maintenance. Pressure washing is a brick maintenance methodology where you can preserve your brickwork’s integrity by keeping it unharmed from undesirable deposits.
• Promote Aesthetics– Undoubtedly, eliminating stains, dirt, and grime from the surfaces restores the timeless appeal of stunning brickwork. Your property looks as good as new!

To conclude, power washing considerably aids in limiting brick damage caused by the harsh NYC climate. So, you must consider it in your maintenance program.

Brickwork is a sturdy and compact construction structure. However, since bricks are porous, they undergo severe superficial and structural damage over time. The extreme temperatures in cities like the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, and Richmond Hill are primarily responsible for brickwork damages like cracks, disintegrating mortar joints, spalling, chipping, etc.

As a result, it leads to the gradual weakening of the building’s integrity. Mortar joints are the weakest parts of a brick structure. They are highly prone to weathering and moisture damage. So, crumbling mortar joints are prevalent in brickwork and it is one of the most principal reasons behind losing structural strength and stability.

Nonetheless, a brick pointing contractor in NYC can efficiently fix the joints through repointing services. In this process, old, decayed mortar is removed and replaced with a fresh mix, which is then sealed and given a finish. Brick pointing is a preventive maintenance measure which must be performed every 20 to 25 years.

Brick pointing is a cost-effective solution to restore a building’s structural integrity. How? Let’s take a look.

• Restrict Moisture Seepage– Do you know moisture is the ultimate culprit behind most masonry damages? When it seeps through gaps and crevices, it affects the inner infrastructure. Steel reinforcements or wooden parts, moisture corrodes and rots these components, respectively. It implies the eventual deterioration of a building’s foundation, which compromises strength, stability, and functionality. However, brick pointing can protect your building from moisture defilement by sealing the gaps between adjacent bricks.
• Preserve Original Attributes– In historic buildings, it is essential to preserve authentic character and look. Nonetheless, with the passing of time, these celebrated monuments undergo extensive deterioration due to natural wear and tear and climate changes. Undoubtedly, it compromises the original characteristics and appearance of the structures. As a result, they lose their former glory and may often collapse due to severe mortar damage. Thankfully, brick pointing can help preserve the authentic look and characteristics of these historic buildings, promoting economic growth in a country.
• Curtail Frost Detriment– New York experiences extreme temperatures. Winters are dominated by snowfall, while summers are warm. This continuous freeze-thaw cycle causes surface tension in brickwork, and cracks appear. When water freezes in the cracks, they expand and lead to critical structural problems. Brickwork pointing contractors fix these cracks and mortar damage, reinstating structural integrity.
• Prevent Infestations– A damp surface calls for an ideal ambience for pest infestations. Additionally, molds and mildew accompany it, which contaminates the air and spreads diseases. They also result in surface decay. Stains, discoloration, and uneven surfaces are common issues with molds and mildew. Also, with disintegrating mortar, you are at risk of insect and rodent infestations. They damage wooden structures and fixtures. Hence, brick pointing is a prerequisite to avert unwanted infestations leading to a building’s structural impairment.
• Prolong Building Longevity– Brick repointing contractors are also responsible for extending your building’s service life. With significant mortar damage in the brickwork, the structure loses its integrity. What happens next? Well, with a weak foundation, your building can no longer retain its stability and may lean or collapse anytime! Undoubtedly, it is a disastrous consequence, posing a threat to lives. So, for enhanced durability, brick pointing is crucial. It restores the structural balance and stability, encouraging increased service life.

Thus, brick pointing is a preventive remedy to safeguard your building from extensive structural deterioration and boost a safe living space. For regular maintenance and minimizing expensive repairs, brick pointing is your ultimate solution. So, when are you considering a brick pointing job?

Brick laying is a task demanding explicit skills and adequate knowledge about the delicate techniques. If something goes wrong, it affects the integrity, stability, efficiency, and longevity of the structure. So, whether it is about constructing a simple brick wall or erecting a retaining wall on your property, you will be anxious and feel agitated.

Undoubtedly, there are many masonry contractors in the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, and Richmond Hill. Nonetheless, the real truth is to find a reliable contractor specializing in brick installation NYC. Though masonry contractors handle materials like brick, concrete, metal, timber, and glass, not everyone can offer you premium results.

So, what should you look for when hiring a brick installation contractor? What are the key checkpoints? We will discuss everything you need to know about picking the ideal one for your project. Here we go.

Key Checkpoints to the Ideal Brick Installation Contractor

The effectiveness and longevity of a project depend substantially on the contractor you choose. In other words, they are the ones responsible for ensuring the service quality. So, picking the right contractor is pivotal to receiving optimal benefits. Now, here is a guideline for your easy decision-making.

• Relevance– Whenever you are looking for brick installation companies, always check if they possess the relevant experience you require for your project. As you know, bricklaying has numerous aspects. It can be as simple as erecting a parapet wall or as complex as constructing a dam. Therefore, you must ensure that your contractor has the necessary skills and expertise to handle your project.
• Credentials and Accomplishments– To avoid uncertainties, you must not ignore scrutinizing their credentials and accomplishments. Are they licensed and insured? How many projects did they deliver? Do they comply with the local building codes? These are the principal parameters determining the legitimacy, competency, and liability of a contractor. You can even consider reviewing some of their projects to receive a clear picture of their service quality.
• Reviews– Browsing through the reviews on the Internet is not a bad idea to learn more about their brick wall installation services. Though ratings and reviews should not be your only mode of affirmation because often they are manipulated, not all are fake. You can easily spot real client reviews with their authentic IDs. Checking out client reviews is a smart way to figure out the potential of your contractor. It also verifies your contractor’s reputation, which is another pivotal point of consideration.
• References– Acquiring references from neighbors, friends, or colleagues can assist you in your search. They are reliable sources who you can trust and get honest feedback. Therefore, references are useful in several ways.
• Explore– Now, there is one thumb rule that you must follow- do not stick to a single proposal. Yes, never finalize a deal with the first contractor you meet. Always get multiple bids before taking the final call. How do you know you are receiving the best services without exploring options? What if you get a more profitable deal? Are you sure you cannot find better service quality? Well, no matter what the brick installation cost is, never settle for a substandard quality. You will regret it for a lifetime!
• Contract– Finalize a deal on paper and not by words! A contract is a must when hiring a contractor for a specific task. It is critical documentation of all the project terms that helps keep each party clear of disagreements.

To conclude, be informed and stay vigilant while hiring your brick installation contractor to keep praising their work for many years!

As stone and brick constructions become old, they gradually become fragile because the mortar joints fail. Indeed, stone and brick are highly durable masonry materials, but they tend to lose their strength and integrity over time. The primary reason is the weakening and crumbling of mortar, which is the bonding material between joints.

So, if you notice loose or missing bricks or stones or leaning walls, you have mortar joint failure. It extensively affects the building’s stability and sturdiness. How can you fix it? Tuck pointing NYC is a long-term and effective solution to restore defective mortar joints. It not only encourages cosmetic transformation but also aids enhanced architectural and functional abilities.

In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about tuckpointing. It will help you to understand the process and its proactive benefits. Let’s get started.

What is Tuckpointing?

Almost all the buildings in the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, and Richmond Hill are made of brick or stone. It means every construction undergoes some extent of mortar damage over a period. So, tuckpointing is a prerequisite to restoring strength and integrity.

Similar to brick pointing, tuckpointing is the process of removing damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar. The only difference is that tuckpointing companies install new mortar closely complementing the color of the brick or stone and then set sleek putty lines known as fillers. However, the fillers are in different colors and embedded through the center of the joints.

Tuckpointing proposes the impression of flimsy mortar joints purposely made. It exhibits a distinctive cosmetic look with an elegant appeal. However, tuckpointing is a principal building restoration process that must be performed every 25 to 30 years.

Why is Tuckpointing Necessary?

Tuckpointing has more to do, apart from boosting aesthetic appeal. It is imperative to conduct tuckpointing because of the following reasons:

• Masonry Maintenance– As we said, masonry structures decay and deteriorate with the passing years. The mortar joints are the weakest spots susceptible to impairment. Thus, as a significant aspect of regular maintenance, tuckpointing plays a vital role. It is an affordable and effective measure to protect your building’s overall well-being.
• Safeguard Structural Soundness– One of the fundamental benefits of tuckpointing is that it safeguards your building’s structural soundness. As mortar joints fail, the entire construction becomes weak and unstable. It can only be fixed through professional tuckpointing services aiming to impart architectural soundness and durability.
• Diminish Moisture Infiltration– What happens when mortar disintegrates? It creates gaps between the adjacent bricks or stones. As a result, moisture can easily penetrate through these gaps, reaching the interiors. Naturally, you will encounter massive waterproofing failure. Nonetheless, sealing these gaps through tuckpointing can curtail the scope of water damage.
• Promote Building Longevity– The lifespan of a building is reduced with considerable mortar damage because moisture can easily penetrate through the gaps and cause overall structural failure. As the problems aggravate, the building loses its foundational stability, and its longevity reduces. So, to resolve it efficiently, brick tuckpointing contractors are the men of the hour! They can efficiently solve the issue with the necessary skills and techniques.
• Curtail Infestations– Too many gaps and crevices increase moisture damage. Naturally, pest infestation is common. You may occasionally spot mold and mildew that appear as ugly stains. They spread germs and infections and compromise the air quality.
• Better Insulation– Finally, sealing the gaps also improves insulation. It keeps your HVAC system working properly, and you pay less for electricity bills!To conclude, tuckpointing services are pivotal for masonry repair projects. But before the services, consider hiring a world-class and reputed contractor, ensuring competence and diligence.

Brick masonry is one of the earliest forms of construction. Till today, brickwork is preferred in most masonry structures due to its everlasting classic appeal and excellent durability. From small residential products to large commercial spaces, brick has always been the preferred masonry material.

Walking down the streets of the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, and Richmond Hill, you will spot decades-old brick constructions! While there are several new buildings, decayed and damaged brick buildings are a common sight. Lack of maintenance and timely brick wall repair NY results in grave consequences, including property damage and loss of lives.

Thus, today we are here to learn about the prevalent problems in brickwork and ways to solve them. It will aid in safer living conditions.

Prevalent Brick Damages

It is essential to identify brick damage because it helps in early remediation. Conducting regular inspections by professional engineers is obligatory to ensure your building is structurally safe and sound. We have listed the common brickwork problems; take a look:

• Cracks– Surface tension, temperature fluctuations, freeze-thaw cycles, and soil settlement are the primary causes of cracks. They may appear in vertical or horizontal forms depending on the factor. Cracks are highly destructive when they become wide and deep.
• Efflorescence– White chalky substance depositing on the brick surface is known as efflorescence. These are salt deposits that appear over a time when damp surface dries up. Brick wall repair contractors remove efflorescence by power washing with water and liquid detergent.
• Spalling– Chipping or flaking of bricks is known as spalling. Generally, spalling is a sign of ageing and lack of structural integrity. It weakens the brick structure, causing severe consequences.
• Mortar Crumbling– Mortar is the bonding material between two adjacent bricks. It promotes strength and stability to a brick construction. However, mortar crumbles and disintegrates due to moisture exposure, temperature differences, and natural erosion. If the mortar becomes weak, the entire structure loses its sturdiness and soundness.
• Bulges– Sometimes, bricks bulge due to soil movement or wall shifting. The bricks move out of their places. As a result, you have a brick wall lacking strength and firmness.

Fixes to Brick Damages

So, how do you fix common brick wall problems? Here it goes:

• Thoroughly inspect the damaged area to evaluate its source and severity. Assessing damage is very important to determine the appropriate fix.
• If there are minor cracks, grout injections work well. The surface must be cleaned properly to remove dirt and loose materials. The brick repair contractor then carefully uses the grout injection to seal the cracks and gaps. It is an effective method to repair minor cracks.
• In other severe structural damages like deep, wide cracks, spalling, bulging, and mortar disintegration, the best repair technique is to remove and replace the damaged area. It offers long-term effectiveness.
• The damaged area is carefully cut and removed using a saw and chisel.
• Cleaning the surface thoroughly is crucial to get rid of dirt and debris. It allows better material bonding.
• Fresh mortar mix is applied, and the bricks are placed in layers. Always ensure the consistency of the mortar is ideal for better adhesion and longevity.
• Excess mortar is removed, and the surface is levelled properly for a smooth finish.
• Waterproofing paint is applied after the newly repaired area cures.

Brick wall repair cost is much less than replacement. Hence, it is always wise to detect and address damages whenever you notice them. Do not wait till the problem aggravates. You may not be left with repair options and have to perform an expensive replacement job.

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.