Masonry & Brick Repointing in Ottawa
If you have a brick foundation, you may be forgiven for thinking it will never need much maintenance. It has the reputation of lasting forever, like stone.
Yet as tough as brick is, the mortar that holds it together may still wear out over time. When that happens the bricks may begin to shift, shifting the weight and allowing in water. Your foundation may start giving out in certain spots, causing damage to the structure of the home itself and allowing all kinds of other problems to follow.
Repointing is the process of replacing the old mortar with new mortar so that the brick can continue to stand strong.
Just Foundations Ottawa repoints bricks and other masonry, often as part of a larger effort to strengthen one’s foundation and make the home safer, more comfortable, and easier on the eyes. Contact us today for an estimate on brick and masonry repointing, or read on to find out more.
Mortar is more important than you might think
You need an experienced masonry expert to ensure that your repointing job goes well. It’s imperative for the mason to use the right type of mortar on the right type of brick.
The correct mortar will depend on the age of your home and the type of brick that was used during its construction. Though it’s counter-intuitive, the brick must always be stronger than the mortar to ensure that moisture flows through the mortar instead of being forced into the brick.
What is the difference between repointing and tuck pointing?
Tuck pointing is the process of patching new mortar over old. It does not help to protect your home from water damage and is not strong enough for foundation work. Repointing involves replacing all the old mortar with new mortar.
Do you install new masonry?
We do install some foundation and basement masonry. Ask us about your project and we’ll tell you if we can complete it for you.
How much does it cost to repoint foundation bricks or other masonry?
The cost to repoint foundation masonry depends on a number of important factors. The first is the size of the bricks. The second is the extent of the damage. The third is the amount of mortar that needs to come out, and in general the amount of work that needs to be done.
We’ve done jobs for as little as $3,500 and for as much as $15,000. You can contact our office to schedule a free consultation. That will allow us to give you the right estimate for your home, so you know exactly what to expect.