Home › Archive for masonery

masonery

Sealing A Brick House

Posted on by

If you own a brick house, then you’re well aware of the dangers of moisture damage to brick. If you don’t own a brick house but are thinking about purchasing one, it’s important that you understand this durable material. The biggest enemy to any form of masonry is moisture. Bricks are porous, and as such, they are prone to absorbing water and cracking or crumbling. The same goes for mortar. 

One of the best ways to protect your brick house from moisture damage is by sealing it. Sealing a brick house can help prevent any issues that you may have with water damage for a period of time. Learn all about sealing a brick house here!

Step 1: Inspect the House

If you’re considering sealing your house, you’ll need to inspect it to make sure that sealing it is suitable. Then, you’ll need to prep it for sealing. When inspecting the home, look for the following issues that may be present:

  • Mold or mildew buildup
  • Crumbling or cracking in the bricks or mortar
  • Salt lines from flooding
  • Creeping plants, like ivy
  • Areas with heavy dirt or mineral deposits
  • Old paint

If you notice that your brick and mortar are heavily damaged, either through cracking or crumbling, sealing your house may not be the first thing you should do. The house may need to be tuckpointed, or repaired further. If so, give us a call. If your home seems to be in good condition, then you’ll be ready to prep it.

Step 2: Prep the Brick

Preparing the brick is an important step. As bricks are porous, it can be assumed that they’ll absorb things like moisture and dirt over time. They may also have residual sealant in them if they’ve been sealed before. As such, it’s important to wash them and prepare them for sealing. To wash the brick, follow the steps below:

  1. Remove any dirt, debris, or old paint from the surface gently
  2. Pull back any debris from the bottom layers of brick
  3. Apply a mildew and mold remover using a scrub brush
  4. Power wash the brick from top to bottom, making sure to wash away any dirty water
  5. Allow the brick to dry completely

Once you’ve finished prepping the brick, it’s time to get the workspace ready.

Step 3: Protecting Surfaces and Yourself

Treat your house as if you’re painting it. That means covering things surrounding the house with drop cloths, taping off windows and doors, and wearing eye protection, a mask, and rubber gloves. If you’ve done all that, then you’re ready to seal.

Step 4: Seal the Brick

You can use a pump sprayer or the traditional method of a roller to apply brick sealant. Regardless, make sure that you coat the surfaces evenly, and allow them to dry completely. Temperatures need to be between 40 and 90 degrees fahrenheit for proper application, and the sealer needs to be allowed to dry without weather interference.

Key Takeaways

Sealing brick is a great way to keep your home in great shape for years to come. However, not all homes are ready to be sealed. If the masonry surfaces of your home need repair, be sure to give us a call. We can help you get your brick tuckpointed, and get it in the best shape before being sealed!

Should I Paint My Exposed Brick Walls?

Posted on by

One of the most timeless looks in any home is an exposed brick wall. It shows the craftsmanship that went into the home, and adds great texture to any room. What’s more is that true exposed brick walls are a conversation starter. Not many people’s homes have legitimate exposed brick in them these days – construction methods have changed, and so have the qualities of brick. As such, an old brick wall in the home looks good.

However, a big trend in interior design as of late is painting these beautiful walls. Sure, there are some benefits to this, but should an exposed brick wall be painted? While it’s entirely up to the owner, of course, there are some things that you should consider before painting your exposed brick. Take a look at what we have to say about it.

The Case for Leaving Exposed Brick Exposed

While painted brick walls are trendy and in style, they aren’t the smartest decision to make when it comes to the well-being of your home, or the brick that’s in it. Here are some great reasons as to why your interior exposed brick should remain unpainted.

Paint is Moist, Moisture Means Damage

While there are paints that are made specifically for painting masonry, most payments don’t take into consideration the issues that brick will have with moisture. When exposed to constant moisture, brick is prone to cracking and crumbling. Paint is, in fact, moist. When you paint a brick wall, you run the risk of causing serious damage to it.

Painted Brick Can’t Be Undone

When you paint a surface, it isn’t always permanent. In most cases, you can remove the paint with some sandpaper and some elbow grease. When you paint brick, you can’t go back. Paint on brick is a permanent solution, as the removal of the paint will damage the brick. If you want to change the look of your painted brick, you’ll have to choose a different paint color, because removing the paint will do irreparable damage to the masonry nine times out of ten.

It’s A Lot of Work

Painting brick in the first place requires a lot of work. Prepping and priming brick for painting takes more effort than pretty much any other surface, and it can’t be rushed. Sealing the brick is the first step in this process, and if overlooked, the brick will suffer. Then, before being able to paint, a specific masonry primer will need to be applied as well. Then, the upkeep with the painted brick will be an effort, as well. It’s entirely likely that even when proper steps are taken, the brick will suffer water damage.

Key Takeaways

Should exposed brick walls be painted? We don’t think so. However, if you’re considering going the route of painting your brick, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll go over the process in detail with you, and we’ll be able to come take a look before you paint. That way you’ll know if your brick is up to it or not.

Fireplace Restoration

Posted on by

Everybody loves a warm, crackling fire in an old fireplace on a cold night.  But an aging and worn-out fireplace is not only an eyesore, but it can also be a dangerous fire hazard and potentially deadly.  

Common Problems

Cracked Chimney Liner―Today’s chimneys usually have liners made of steel but older ones can have clay or ceramic chimney liners that can become cracked and damaged over time.

Creosote Build-up―Creosote is the nasty residue that’s left behind in your flue when you burn fossil fuels.  When it builds up, it is extremely dangerous because it can ignite from the heat and cause a chimney fire.  Over time, the build-up causes your flue to essentially be smaller and smaller until airflow because compromised and restricted.  This means that while some air goes up through your chimney, what can’t flow easily up and out will come back down into your home and bring with it deadly carbon monoxide.  

Damaged Brickwork―Bricks are extremely durable and may last hundreds of years but mortar does not.  Crumbling mortar can be repaired without removing the entire fireplace or chimney but if it is left unnoticed and in disrepair, it could potentially lead to a collapse.  

Obstruction―If you’re experiencing smoke backing up into your home, it could be because of something as simple as a bird’s nest or something else that made its way into your chimney, but this simple problem could be deadly because it could cause carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.  

Damper Stuck Closed―Sometimes people may not realize that the damper has been closed and is causing smoke to come in but dampers can also get stuck in the closed position due to rust or damage which means smoke won’t go up and out the chimney.

Fireplace Restoration

In most cases, fireplaces can be restored without having to do a complete and expensive tear-down and replacement of the fireplace and chimney.  

A cracked flue can usually be fixed easily by inserting a steel chimney liner in the old flue.  If the restoration includes brickwork, your fireplace or chimney may be restored with a process called tuckpointing.  

Tuckpointing is a process that involves removing the old, deteriorating mortar and replacing it with a mortar that is similar in color to the brick.  Then mortar that is closer in color to the existing mortar is applied, giving the brickwork a straight, even line.  Tuckpointing is strong, water-resistant, and can extend the life of the fireplace or chimney.  It is a corrective and preventative procedure that can save a lot of money over replacement and have you enjoying a cozy fire again in no time. 

Marlon Tuckpointing provides tuckpointing and masonry services to the St. Louis area including complete and spot tuckpointing services as well as chimney repairs, caulking, waterproofing, brickwork, and repairs to chimney caps and flashing. We pride ourselves on the high quality of our work and the satisfaction of all our clients.  For questions or a free estimate call Marlon Tuckpointing LLC at (314) 496-9067 or visit our website and see some of the beautiful restorations we’ve done using tuckpointing. 

Masons and Masonry

Posted on by

A cornerstone is the first stone laid when building a structure.  It dictates direction and all measurements for the rest of the building are made in reference to it, making it the most important stone in the structure.  The same can be said for the masons who laid the cornerstone.  Masons have been the constructors of our buildings of today and of the most important structures throughout the history of the world, many that are still standing.

Throughout History

Masonry has been around thousands of years.  In fact, it’s one of the oldest forms of construction.  Some of the earliest examples of masonry come from Egypt (The Great Pyramids), Great Britain (Stonehenge), China (The Great Wall), and the many Greek and Roman structures that still stand strong today.  Bricks are the oldest of all man-made materials, originally made of clay and dried in the sun as early as 8000B.C.

Masonry Today

Masonry is building structures that are made by laying individual blocks or units, usually held together with some kind of mortar or cement material.  Masonry is usually more time-consuming to construct than other structures but because they’re made of strong materials (brick, stone, cement) and are held together  by a strong material, they are extremely strong and durable.  

Wood can rot and is susceptible to mold, unlike masonry, and because masonry structures are nearly air-tight, they keep out more allergens than their wooden counterparts.  They’re also stronger, reduce outside noise, and improve energy efficiency by keeping the interior of the structure warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.  

Masonry construction can be used for load-bearing walls, re-inforced masonry walls, composite, hollow (like cement blocks), or just on the exterior for aesthetics.  It’s also used for fireplaces and chimneys as well as landscape architecture like retaining walls or privacy walls.  

When Things Go Wrong

While bricks and other masonry materials are extremely strong, the mortar or cement that holds them together can deteriorate over time, especially if it was made from inferior materials.  When this happens, it not only looks bad, but it also can affect the structural integrity fo the wall or structure and could pose a real hazard.  A complete reconstruction is an option, of course, but it can be an extensive and expensive undertaking.  This is where tuckpointing comes in. 

Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is a technique for restoring brickwork and masonry that involves removing the old, damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh, new mortar.  Using a grinder, the mortar is removed and replaced with some that is the color of the brick, and then grooves are cut into the new mortar and filled with mortar that matches the original mortar color.  It not only refreshes the look, but it can also create a straighter, more refined look.  Tuckpointing can be done in a small area or a complete wall or entire chimney. It’s much more cost-effective than replacement of the entire structure or even a part of it and can leave your brickwork looking almost new again.  

Marlon Tuckpointing provides tuckpointing and masonry services to the St. Louis area.  Our services include complete and spot tuckpointing services as well as chimney repairs, caulking, waterproofing, brickwork, and repairs to chimney caps and flashing. For questions or a free estimate call Marlon Tuckpointing LLC at (314) 496-9067.

How Tuckpointing Can Save Your Fireplace

Posted on by

Fireplaces and chimneys give a home warmth in both the physical sense as well as in ambiance.  Everyone loves the feel of a cozy warm fireplace on cold winter’s night but if yours is old and falling apart and you worry about the high cost of replacing it so you don’t use it anymore, you’re missing out for nothing.  It’s more than likely that tuckpointing can help and for a lot less than replacement.

What Is Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing is a process for repairing deteriorating mortar by removing the old, damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh, new mortar.  The mortar is removed using a grinder and replaced with mortar that is the color of the brick and grooves are cut into the new mortar and they are filled with matching mortar.  Tuckpointing can be done in a small area or a complete fireplace or chimney.  It not only gets rid of the deteriorating mortar before it affects the integrity of the chimney, but it also makes it look refreshed and renewed.  

How Tuckpointing Can Save Your Chimney

While bricks can last a hundred years or more, mortar does not.  Over time, it deteriorates from wind, rain, and sun and when the mortar starts to crumble, your chimney may begin to lean and may even collapse.  Or it could cause cracks where water can leak in and damage your home’s interior and lead to mold or wood rot.  However, as long as your chimney isn’t too far gone, tuckpointing can be used to replace the mortar, stopping the corrosion, and restore the integrity of the structure.  After tuckpointing has been performed on your chimney or fireplace, you’ll not only be able to enjoy its warmth again, but it’ll also increase the value of your home.

Tuckpointing is much less expensive than an entire chimney rebuild, and with your chimney restored, there will be less heat loss, saving you money in heating costs too.  

What To Look For

You may not realize that your chimney is in need of repair because so much of it is unseen and most of what you can see is high on your roof.  What you can see may still look good.  If you see stain on the paint or wallpaper around the chimney, there’s a good chance your chimney is leaking and moisture is getting in through damaged areas.  If you see areas where the mortar is crumbling, cracked bricks, musty odors after it rains, or discoloration of bricks, you’re probably experiencing some kind of leak inside the chimney.  If a leak in your chimney is ignored, you could face repair costs that go beyond a chimney. 

We Can Help  

Marlon Tuckpointing does chimney repair and can find and fix your leak, quickly and efficiently.  We provide tuckpointing and masonry services to the St. Louis area including complete and spot tuckpointing services as well as chimney repairs, caulking, waterproofing, brickwork, and repairs to chimney caps and flashing.  For questions or a free estimate call Marlon Tuckpointing LLC at (314) 496-9067. 

Understanding the Tuckpointing Process

Posted on by

If you have exterior brick, or even interior brick, that has aging mortar, and someone has recommended tuckpointing to you, then understanding that process will help you determine if it is right for your situation. Tuckpointing is the process of removing and replacing aging mortar with fresh mortar that is decorated with mortar of contrasting colors to give a specific appearance to the new joint.

Tuckpointing is easier to understand when you understand the terminology that professionals use when they talk about this subject with you.

·         Pointing

This is the term used to say that mortar joints were filled with mortar. Pointing also refers to filling the spaces between bricks with mortar when you are building a wall or a chimney.

·         Repointing

This means that the old mortar, that is probably deteriorating, is being removed and replaced with fresh mortar.

·         Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing replaces old mortar like repointing does, but with a little something extra. When tuckpointing the professional will use mortar that is very close to the color of the bricks you have in place. In the center of the mortar joint they will use a contrasting color of putty to create unique “fillets” that run the length of the mortar joint.

When tuckpointing you have to carefully remove all of the aging mortar. You will work in sections that are about 3’ x 5’. You can use a cold chisel to help you remove the aging mortar. You need to work the mortar out leaving about ½” of space. A whisk broom can be used to brush the accumulated dust out of the crevice you are creating.

Once the mortar has been chiseled away the bricks need to be thoroughly wet using a water hose. By wetting the bricks you allow them to re-moisturize so they will not funnel the moisture out of the new mortar when you install it. You need to give the wet bricks about 24 hours to rest and absorb the water before you move on to the next step.

You will mix small batches of the new mortar and place it into the crevices you created. The mortar should be as close to the color of the bricks as possible. Your goal is to create mortar joints that are so close to the brick color that they have to be studied to see where brick stops and mortar begins. You can use common Portland cement mortar to make the new mortar for your masonry work. If the bricks you are tuckpointing are older than fifty years then you need to use a lime and sand mortar combination. Old bricks can actually be damaged by the Portland mortar as it dries.

You just use a large trowel to work the mortar into the crevices. You must use the flat section of the trowel and keep excess mortar from building outside of the crevice. You need joints that are smooth and level vertically and horizontally.

You are now ready to take the contrasting putty and create the intricate fillets through the centermost part of the mortar crevice. You need a very steady hand, and the ability to determine if your line is perfectly straight.

Tuckpointing can be done by do-it-yourself homeowners if you are really sure of your abilities. Tuckpointing effects can be ruined if the fillet line is crooked, too wide, not uniform or the wrong color. This process is also ineffective if the mortar is not a perfect match to the brick, and if the mortar is not flush inside the crevice.

If you want more details about this, or you want to talk to a professional in the St. Louis area about this mortar process, contact the professionals at Marlon Tuckpointing LLC. They can be reached at 314-496-9067 or visit their website at ,https://marlontuckpointing.com/blog.