Brick buildings are durable but subject to weather damage. It’s important to have repair work done quickly. Further, consumers need to hire a contractor experienced with brick replacement in Wilmington, DE.
Brick can be Damaged in Many Ways
Water leaks are a major concern in brick buildings. Dampness occurs when water is trapped and has nowhere to go. This is caused by gutter damage and older bricks. Further older brickwork can be damaged by frost. Water turns to ice on brick and ice weakens the material. As a result, brick deteriorates and crumbles. This is the time for brick replacement in Wilmington, DE.
New Bricks Must Match the Older Ones
Sometimes, it’s difficult to find replacement bricks that are the same color and size. Look at a home supply store for bricks if the building is relatively new. The job is harder in buildings more than fifty years old. Experts recommend visiting brickyards or architectural reclamation companies. Contractors may have the same problem with the mortar. This material holds the bricks together and needs to match as well.
It’s okay to use standard cement mortar in a newer house. However, a mixture of lime and sand should be used in older homes. Matching mortar is more challenging in historical buildings. The owner will want mortar as similar to the original as possible. Often, the mortar mixture depends on where the building is located. In some areas, masons added plant fiber and animal hair to mortar to strengthen it. Experts use companies that analyze the mortar’s composition.
Replacing the Brick
Contractors remove damaged bricks by drilling holes in the mortar around it. They need to remove the mortar without doing further damage. Afterward, the whole area is sprayed down with water. Bricks need to be wet so they don’t dry out the new mortar. Masons begin by laying a row of mortar. Next, the new bricks are placed evenly so they match the others.
This process is called repointing which is often confused with tuckpointing. Tuckpointing is a decorative way of laying bricks using mortar and putty so the mortar joints look narrow. Some experts say tuckpointing makes brickwork look more expensive. For more information, visit the website.
