After determining the cause and locations of building defects, consider the cure. In most masonry structures, water and frost damage result from openings in the mortar joints, rather then the porosity of the masonry units. Here lies the need for tuckpointing (aka re-pointing) -- the backbone of masonry restoration.
A major source of masonry leaks are the vertical joints in a brick veneer wall. Often a careless mason will not adequately "butter-up" then ends of the bricks during installation, resulting in deterioration of the joint. Masonry units frequently require repairs, but are rarely the source of water penetration to building interiors. Damage is usually more prevalent in parapets, cornices, piers, pinnacles, cheek walls and other projections -- This is due to the lack of the drying characteristics provided by the interior's heat. Cold walls produce greatly accelerated disintegration to both masonry units and joints. Generally deterioration in masonry is due to water absorption in conjunction with frost action.
Once the need for repointing has been established, the repointing process involves the following:
...Over the years we have contracted with Visakay for tuckpointing our brickwork, restoration of damaged terraces, power washing and sealing of parapet walls and brickwork, concrete sidewalk repairs, capping of coping stones, etc., etc. Visakay Associates is always willing to handle any of our needs. Their work is absolutely first rate, none better. Pricing on bid work is at all times competitive and their pricing on non-bid projects is always fair. In each instance, Visakay has done exactly as described in the proposals and, in most instances, exceeded what we have asked for or expected... Karl Mueller, Building Manager - Park Place Condominiums
Deteriorating Mortar Joints
Cleaned Out Joints
Tuckpointing
