Best brick pointing techniques for NYC brickworks
Brick pointing is used in applying small quantities of mortar into face joints of bricks. If you are putting in new brickwork, harder mortar is used in pointing so that you increase the level of weather protection for the faces that are exposed. In older brickworks, pointing is used for repairing joints which are eroded from exposure to varying weather elements. Several techniques are used for laying either the old or the new brickwork. It is critical that procedures are followed carefully.
When brickwork is new, the pointing is done at the appropriate intervals. It is important that you assess the materials and the work site to determine this interval. Breaks should also be incorporated to ensure that you get an adequate amount of time to clean the surface mortar. It should be carefully scrapped to a depth of approximately 12 millimeters below the surface of the brick. Remember that pointing can only take place after a wall is complete.
For old brickwork, the techniques applied by professional Brick Pointing NYC specialists include carefully chipping away at the old mortar and further pointing to the right depth. Just like in new mortar, the depth is 12 millimeters. You need to be informed in advance that the process generates a lot of dust and having protection for the eyes, ears and nose is of paramount importance.
After the wall is ready for pointing, the right techniques follow. Most contractors specializing Brick Pointing NYC services argue that it is critical that all the joints are sufficiently wet before they can be filled. This reduces the overall amount of dust and makes the work easier.
A relatively stiff mortar mix is prepared and small quantities put on a hawk. To cut the mortar slithers, the Brick Pointing NYC professional will make use of a pointing trowel. Carefully hold mortar at the trowel edge and press in the joints being filled. Then, draw the blade in a backward motion. Repeat this process until you have finished the entire bricks faces. It may sound simple but getting it right takes real skill.
Make sure to follow brick pointing methods by experienced professionals from Brick Pointing NYC companies. Fill up all the visible vertical joints and then move on to horizontal bed-joints. Once you have filled about one square meter, complete it using the correct style. It is important that you keep checking the mortar to ensure that it does not get too dry than the level you want.
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