With Fredericton ongoing seasonal shifts between sun, rain and snow, keeping exterior walls in good shape requires diligence. Mortar plays a major role in protecting the structure but deteriorates with exposure over the decades. Discover practical advice for maintaining brickwork and identifying signs it’s time to call a mason before problems worsen.
Mortar is the material used between bricks or stones during masonry construction. It serves to seamlessly join individual units together, providing a weather-resistant layer.
There are several mortar joint profiles used in brickwork, including flush joints where the mortar is level with the bricks, raked joints that are recessed, and struck joints with a raised profile. Cement, lime, sand, and sometimes other additives like brick dust or polymers are commonly blended to create mortar mixes. The type of joint style and formulation used affects how porous the mortar is and how quickly it weathers over time.
Those living in Fredericton know that the city experiences significant freeze-thaw cycles throughout the winter months when temperatures can drop below freezing for weeks at a time. If your home is in Fredericton, you are all too familiar with how moisture gets trapped in materials like mortar during the winter.
The fluctuating temperatures mean that water in the pores of mortar joints will expand and contract, which can cause small cracks to form. Over many years, this freeze-thaw activity contributes to flaking and damage in mortar.
With Fredericton’s location near the Saint John River as well, high moisture levels mean rain and groundwater are common even after snow melts in the spring. This prolonged exposure allows water to slowly erode and break down the cement in mortar over decades.
Fredericton’s climate also means mortar may be subjected to more ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. The UV exposure can negatively impact some mortar formulations by degrading the bonding material over extended periods outdoors.
As a masonry wall ages, normal settling of the foundation may put stress on mortar joints, causing fine cracks or separations to form. General wear can gradually deteriorate surface mortar faster than interior joints as well.
Mortar that was hastily mixed, not given enough time to cure before use, or laid improperly will break down quicker when environmental stresses are applied. Low-quality aggregate or excess water content leads to a weak mortar mix.
Seismic activity, shifting soils, or wood framing problems that put undue pressure on a masonry wall can crack otherwise durable mortar joints over the long run. Nearby construction work may introduce harmful vibrations.
For minor repairs like small cracks or isolated loose bricks, a DIY repointing kit can work well if you follow directions carefully. But widespread damage or signs of structural issues demands a mason’s expertise to ensure the fix is long-lasting. They can properly remove loose or disintegrated mortar before filling and tooling new mortar joints.
Professional brick repointing helps prevent moisture penetration and further deterioration. For very large cracks, severe spalling, or other extensive signs of failure, partial or full replacement of defective areas may be necessary instead of repair alone. Taking prompt action when warning signs first emerge helps avoid costly reconstruction work in the future.
While wear and tear on mortar over decades is inevitable, regular maintenance can slow its effects:
If you’ve identified signs that your home’s mortar joints need repair or replacement, it’s time to call the repointing experts in Fredericton. One of the most trusted names for quality masonry services is Atlantic Brick and Stone.
As a leading repointing contractor in the area, we have decades of experience providing expert tuckpointing, brick repair, and masonry construction services. Our trained team of masons can properly evaluate the condition of your brickwork, propose a tailored solution, and complete all work to high standards.
To discuss your project and get an estimate for repairs from the best repointing specialists in Fredericton, contact us for all your masonry needs. Our masonry repairs are backed by strong warranties.
Bad mortar may appear crumbly, powdery, cracked, or discolored. It can fall out easily when pressed or scraped with a tool. Sections may be soft, friable, or out of place compared to adjacent intact areas.
The typical lifespan of mortar is at least 30 years when properly applied and maintained. Mortar exposed to harsh weathering will deteriorate faster, often over 17-20 years.
New mortar will generally bond well to sound, intact old mortar. But if the old mortar is degraded, repointers must remove and replace it a few inches into the joint to ensure strong adhesion of the new mortar applied. Proper surface preparation is key for bonding.
Failing to repoint deteriorating mortar joints can cause several issues over time for the brick structure. Moisture is able to penetrate deeper into the bricks, and freeze-thaw cycles will worsen, expanding cracks in the mortar. Individual bricks may shift or fall out of position within the wall. Interior walls of the structure could be damaged by leaks developing through cracks.
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