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A: Look closely at your masonry wall and if you notice voids, cracks, crumbling mortar, or uneven areas of mortar, chances are you need tuckpointing. Tuckpointing is typically needed after 25-30 years of exposure to the elements.
Q: Why is my brick crumbling or flaking??
A: As brick ages it will start to retain moisture. When moisture penetrates the outer layer of brick (substrate) and freezes, it will expand. This expansion is what causes the brick surface to "pop", or spall. It is a very common problem here in the Midwest. The only way to repair the brick is to replace it with a new masonry unit.
Q: What is the white powdery surface deposit on my brick and mortar?
A: Any trapped moisture within the brick will react with the salts inside. As the moisture evaporates, the salts will crystallize on the masonry surface, creating white efflorescence. This powdery substance is seasonal and will dissipate on its own, but may reoccur. It can be temporarily halted with a mild muriatic acid solution.
Q: Can my existing mortar color be matched?
A: The existing mortar color and profile can be matched (with approximately 90% accuracy) through careful manipulation of the actual color additive. Newly applied mortar will appear sharper in color because it hasn't had a chance to weather and oxidize.
Q: I have noticed a "bubble" or "bowing" in my brick wall. Why is this happening?
A: When water works its way inside a wall through defective mortar joints, it can settle in between the inner and outer wythes causing it to deflect at its weakest point. The only way to fix the displacement is to dismantle and rebuild the damaged area back to a structurally sound condition.
Q: My brick is very dirty - can it be cleaned?
A: Atmospheric dirt, carbon, mold and algae can all be removed through chemical cleaning or powerwashing. The color, texture, and type of brick can all affect the degree of how clean the brick can get.
Q: Will waterproofing help protect my brick?
A: A good waterproofing agent will not only reduce the ingress of water and water-born contaminants, but it will also curtail the deteriorating effects of these contaminants, such as steel membrane corrosion, spalling of brick, efflorescence, leaching and staining. Waterproofing is highly recommended on sandblasted brick or any other porous substrate.