The classic brick rowhouses lining our urban streets define the architectural soul of the city. However, these stunning brick facades are not impervious to time. After decades of enduring harsh freeze-thaw cycles and heavy rain, the mortar joints binding the bricks together will eventually soften, crack, and turn to dust. When this crucial binding agent washes away, the structural integrity of the entire wall is compromised. Partnering with expert exterior contractors in Philadelphia to perform meticulous masonry restoration halts this decay instantly, keeping your load-bearing brickwork rock-solid.
The Danger of Using the Wrong Mortar Mix
Restoring a historic brick wall requires highly specialized knowledge of masonry chemistry. Century-old rowhomes were built using soft, lime-based mortar that allows the structural walls to breathe and shift naturally. A common, disastrous mistake made by unvetted handymen is packing failing joints with hard, modern Portland cement. Because modern cement is rigid, it traps internal moisture and forces the historic bricks to bear the brunt of thermal expansion, causing their faces to shatter and pop off—a destructive process known as spalling.
Legal Requirements for Historic Masonry Repairs
Because historic brick walls frequently serve as shared party walls or primary load-bearing structures along public sidewalks, altering or repairing them carries significant structural liability. Property owners planning structural repairs, renovations, or major remodeling work can review Philadelphia’s building and repair permit guidance through the City of Philadelphia. Securing the proper structural documentation guarantees your historic masonry restorations satisfy all local safety regulations and preservation standards.
Premium Masonry and Brick Preservation Services
We bridge historic preservation techniques with high-strength structural engineering:
- Meticulous historic brick pointing and custom color-matched mortar blending.
- Structural spalled brick replacement and loose masonry anchoring.
- Steel lintel restoration above windows to prevent structural sagging.
- Application of invisible, 100% breathable silane-siloxane masonry sealers.
Historic Communities Under Our Structural Care
Our masonry preservation crews actively safeguard properties situated within:
- Port Richmond
- Kensington
- South Philly
- Fishtown
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the process of repointing a brick wall?
Repointing involves surgically grinding out the old, degraded mortar to a uniform depth (usually 3/4 of an inch). We then thoroughly clean the joints and pack them tight with fresh, chemically compatible mortar, tooling the joints to shed water perfectly.
Why is the inside of my plaster wall damp after a rainstorm?
When exterior mortar joints fail, driving rain is absorbed deep into the brickwork. Through capillary action, the moisture migrates completely through the solid multi-wythe brick wall, eventually causing damp spots and peeling paint on your interior plaster.
How long should a professional brick pointing job last?
When executed by licensed masonry specialists using the correct lime-compatible mortar mixes and proper joint tooling, a professional brick repointing job will effectively protect your building for 30 to 50 years.
