The brick and stone foundation of your home is designed to last decades, but the mortar between won’t last nearly as long. Whenever the mortar starts to crack and crumble, you need to replace it with an inch of fresh mortar to maintain the structural foundation and keep the rain and water outside of your home. Repairing your brick and stone may not be something you’re keen on spending money on, but it’s well worth it, and here’s why:
Keeps Your Home Dry
When the brick mortar is cracked, it can let water seep into your home. This can cause significant damage over time – especially when the temperature changes, resulting in freeze and thaw cycles that separate the cracks even more.
Prevents Heat Loss
Repointing doesn’t just help hold up your home; it also prevents heat from escaping through your walls. Repairing the damaged mortar will save you money on otherwise expensive utility bills, and keep your home warm and comfortable inside.
Prevents Collapse
As mortar joints erode, the damage can rapidly spread to the bricks or stone and cause them to spall and become loose. This failing mortar can eventually lead to structural damage and even wall collapse if not immediately addressed.
Saves You Money In The Long Run
A few small cracks may not need to be repaired at first, but if you find areas where the mortar is crumbling, it’s important to call in a professional to inspect your wall. If the damaged mortar is not dealt with immediately, it can lead to even more expensive repairs down the road.
Improves Property Value
A failing structure will not only affect the look of the home but also the resale value of it. Getting your home repointed will ensure that you get the price that your home deserves when you go to sell it.
Is Repointing A DIY Project?
When it comes to your home’s foundation, you should always leave any masonry and repair work to the professionals. If you choose the wrong materials, wrong colour or apply it improperly, you could ruin the look of your home and risk further damage to the structure.
Can Any Masonry Expert Repoint A Home?
Before you decide to repoint your home, know that the person you hire can make all the difference. Not all specialists know how to repoint a home. Many Masons are simply trained in laying new brick and stone, but they are not experienced with repointing older homes. This can create a problem because improper repointing can seriously damage your home. The issue with older homes is that they were built with softer brick than what is used today. And in order for the wall to maintain its integrity, the mortar needs to be softer than the brick in order to allow the wall to breathe and moisture to drain and evaporate properly. If the walls can’t breathe, then the structure will quickly deteriorate – something you don’t want. So it’s important only to hire a professional who is experienced and knows exactly what they are doing.
If you find any major cracks or areas where your mortar is crumbling, contact us at GWS Masonry. Our licensed red seal mason has over 35 years of experience and will ensure your repointing is done right! Our repointing services are designed to extend the life of your home and maintain its safety. Our process produces a beautiful finish and fixes any structural problems that you may have – saving you money well into the future. Contact us today to learn more about our masonry services and if you like what you see, use our link online to contact us for a free quote!