As a home or building owner, you know that there is a lot of upkeep that goes into making sure your property stays standing for a long time to come. For buildings that are made of brick or stone, repointing is a part of regular maintenance that will ensure not only the aesthetic appeal of the exterior but also improve the structure of the building itself. We’ve gathered a few reasons why you should repoint stone and brick.
What Is Repointing?
When a brick or stone wall is built, the main materials are generally longer-lasting than the mortar used to hold everything together. After several years, cracks, gaps, or other damage may appear on the mortar. Instead of having to tear down and rebuild the wall, repointing fills in those gaps and reinforces the integrity of the remaining mortar and brick.
Reasons to Repoint
Aside from keeping your home looking great on the outside, there are several reasons why you should consider repointing your stone and brick façade.
Lower Utility Bills
When your mortar starts crumbling, it leaves open gaps, which negates the effect of a lot of the insulation of your home, especially in the winter. If there are enough gaps, cold air from outside can force your heating system to work harder than it should – and that means higher utility bills. By keeping your insulation working properly and filling in those gaps in the mortar, you’ll be keeping those bills low.
A Dry Home
Just as those gaps in the brick mortar can allow warm air out, it can also let moisture in. If you live in a wet climate, this moisture can seep into the home through cracked mortar, making it more humid indoors and creating a perfect environment for unwanted mold growth.
Improve Structural Integrity
If joints in the mortar begin to wear down or crack, the damage may continue to affect more mortar and even the nearby brick or stone. If they become too loose or damaged, they may come out of the building entirely, leading to structural weakness. Repointing prevents the spread of damage and maintains the integrity of the wall or façade.
Increase Property Value
A brick or stone structure with damaged mortar means higher expenses for a potential homebuyer. Correcting the problem now will make sure that your building is safe and strong as well as pleasing to the eye, so if the day comes that you want to sell, it will be ready for the next owner.
Save Money
The longer you wait to repoint your brick or stone structure, the more costly it will become. If left too late, you may have to do a more extensive (and expensive) replacement of the whole wall. If you notice crumbling, cracking, or holes, it’s best to get the help of a professional now and prevent a more costly repair later on.
If you’re looking to increase the lifespan of your building, brick repointing could be a great option, especially if you’ve noticed some recent damage. If your brick mortar needs some professional attention, contact Bruno Guerriero Construction today for expert advice and help.
