Masonry Repair, Columbia, SC
Brick masonry is a craft that requires a measurable amount of skill and experience. Brick masonry requires masons to be trained not only in mortar mixing, bricklaying, pointing, repointing and caulking, but they also have to know about different brick arrangements involving header and stretcher bricks, that will produce different levels of stability in the house, the different mixtures of mortar that will be used in the different joints, especially the control joints, and the different methods of pointing to achieve different effects. Brick masons have a number of functions. They are involved in masonry construction, masonry restoration and masonry repair. Brick repair, especially old masonry restoration requires more level of skill than masonry construction.
The masons employed by Brick Mason Columbia are certified professionals. They are certified to perform all kinds of brick repair. Besides general brick wall repair, they are also trained to handle more complicated masonry repair work like fireplace,chimney masonry repair or brick chimney repair. Our masons know how to do fireplace brick repair in such a way that the effect of the fire is not erased and further heat damage is reduced. Similarly, these brick masons use special techniques in brick chimney repair so that the smoke and heat from within and the wind, snow, rain and heat outside does not lower its life. We also have specialists who can do brick pointing, tuckpointing as well as repointing work. |
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Repointing bricks requires masons to know about flush pointing, recessed pointing, bucket handle pointing, weathered and struck pointing, grooved and V-pointing, and beaded pointing, and use special tools to achieve this. Thus, brick repair requires a certain extent of mastery over different masonry techniques and a trained and expert hand that can achieve a certain degree of quality at work. If you are wondering where you may find such masons in South Carolina, look no further. Brick Mason Columbia brings you a team of accomplished brick masons who will be able to fulfill all your demands regarding brick masonry and produce standard work each and every time.
What skills or knowledge must a brick mason have for masonry repair?
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Every brick mason can do masonry construction but only a few are skilled enough to do brick repair. This is because masonry repair requires brick masons to master some techniques over and above those needed for masonry construction. This is due to the fact thatbrick masons working in construction only need to work with the type of materials available then and there. But masonry repair needs the brick mason to not only have knowledge regarding the character and composition of the materials used during the time of the construction of the house but also that of the materials that the mason must use during the repair. The mason will then have to mix the mortar in composition as close to that of the original mortar, but keep the compressive strength lower so as to accommodate expansions and contractions, especially at control joints.
The mason will then have to remove the old mortar as delicately as possible, so as not to damage the adjoining bricks, and then fill in the new mortar. |
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There may also be the need to turn old bricks if they are spalled, or replace them if the damage is too serious and brick crack repair is no longer possible. Before doing any of this, the mason has to test two things. First, they will have to check if the masonry structure will benefit from the repair. Often, if the crack is not causing any major damage, they should be left alone as applying mortar over that could do more harm than good. A mason also needs to do a test panel on the part of the structure not visible to people and not damaged in any way, to ensure that the new materials suits and blends with the old ones. Brick Mason Columbiamasons are all qualified and take the necessary steps to ensure the highest grade of masonry repair to restore the health of your home.
How is re-pointing done?
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Repointing is the process of mortar joint repair, which involves taking out the old and damaged mortar in the joints of the bricks and replacing it with new mortar. Repointing is the most common part of masonry repair. Mortar is always the first to get damaged between brick and mortar. This is because mortar is so mixed that it has a lower compression strength than brick, so that the stress of expansion and contraction due to temperature changes and minor wall movements can be absorbed and released through the mortar, keeping the bricks safe. That is why mortar repair is so important in masonry and must be done from time to time. When repointing is done, the old mortar is first removed from the joints. Special tools must be used and very low pressure must be applied to ensure that the bricks do not take any damage. Then, the new mortar mixture has to be filled into the joints. As was said earlier, this mortar must be softer than the old one so that it can accommodate stress and strain. It should also have a higher vapor permeability, as a lot of the damage to brick masonry walls occurs when the water evaporates from the bricks instead of the joints. When repointing, different pointing styles may be used depending on the finish you are going for. If you are working with Brick Mason Columbia for your repointing needs, you will get the option for every single repointing choice that exists in the masonry world.
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What is the best way to go about masonry restoration?
Masonry restoration is a highly delicate task. This is mainly due to the fact that most restorations are done to an extremely old building, which has high historical value. Thus, a balance must be struck between restoring the masonry of the structure and retaining the look of the structure so that its historical significance is not lost. Now one thing all bricks masons doing a masonry restoration must keep in mind is that in the time of construction of the brick masonry structure, the materials used were locally obtained. When it comes to sand especially, the chemical composition varies from place to place, which gives it varying colors. This in turn tints the mortar differently and contributes to the color of the structure. Thus, a mason must try as much as possible to obtain the same materials, so that no ugly patch is created after the restoration is completed. If that is not possible, as a last resort, the brick mason may use paint of the closest color to tint the bricks. Another aspect of masonry restoration is the brick replacement. This is extremely difficult and not recommended if the mason is not confident enough to do it. Removing and replacing bricks can potentially transmit the damage throughout the building, and unless the required tools are available and sufficient testing is done, it should not be attempted. If you have an ancestral home with brick masonry that requires restoration, contact our experts at Brick Mason Columbia for an impeccable job.
What is tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing is a special category of brick pointing. It is used to create the illusion of masonry using rubbed bricks and fine joints, a method that was developed in England, but at a much lower cost and using ordinary bricks. In tuckpointing, mortar of two different colors is used by mixing different pigments to it. One of the pigments is of the same color as the bricks used. The mortar of the same color as the bricks is used to do the majority of the masonry construction or repointing work. After that, the mortar of the different, contrasting color is applied in a fine line in the joints to imitate the look of rubbed bricks. Tuckpointing helps masons achieve an aristocratic look with brick masonry at a much more reasonable price, since unrubbed bricks are used. Tuckpointed masonry is also sturdier than rubbed brick masonry as the joints are actually thicker, which is essential in making the masonry structure strong and durable. Brick Mason Columbia is known for its superior tuckpointing work, so if you are planning to give your brick home a makeover, call us today.
How do I know if my masonry needs repair?
If you have brick masonry, you will have to take care of its maintenance and upkeep too. This involves a regular examination of the bricks, mortar and especially the joints. Old masonry structure is more prone to damage than new ones. That is why, owners of older brick masonry buildings should be even more careful regarding the health of their homes. Brick masonry structures with stucco siding or veneer are often victims of internal damage that does not become visible from outside and keep festering and spreading to the point that demolition and rebuilding are the only options left. So, you should also call brick masonry experts from time to time to check up on the condition of your brick house and stay ahead of any damage. You can call us at Brick Mason Columbia for such examinations if you are living in and around Columbia,South Carolina. We recommend that the moment you find any trace of damage, get masonry repair done. Otherwise, if the damage worsens, you will have a hard time handling that.
So, whether it’s brick chimney repairor a simple repair, Brick Mason Columbia believes in honesty and transparency. It is true that some mason companies may scare you by claiming there is more damage than there actually is, or quote a higher price than the actual one, taking advantage of the urgency of your situation. But we do no such thing. We are a trusted name in the world of brick masonry and our masonry contractors always try their level best to get your masonry repaired and back to its original health.
So, whether it’s brick chimney repairor a simple repair, Brick Mason Columbia believes in honesty and transparency. It is true that some mason companies may scare you by claiming there is more damage than there actually is, or quote a higher price than the actual one, taking advantage of the urgency of your situation. But we do no such thing. We are a trusted name in the world of brick masonry and our masonry contractors always try their level best to get your masonry repaired and back to its original health.
