Masonry is a popular choice for constructing homes and other buildings given its durability and attractive appearance. Binding bricks or stones together with mortar is one of the most durable construction techniques, earning it tremendous popularity around the world. However, general wear and tear and exposure to the elements can weaken and deteriorate materials like brick, stone and concrete over time, causing the need for masonry restoration or replacement.
Most masonry will start deteriorating at the joints after many years have passed. The joints in masonry are made using a liquid mortar that hardens after it is applied to hold bricks, stones or other materials in place. It can eventually crumble and allow water to get inside, which could wreak havoc on the building’s walls or foundation. That is why it is important to call in the experts at the first sign of missing or crumbling mortar.
Why Choose Masonry Restoration And Not Replacement?
When a building’s masonry is not in good condition, there are two processes that can be used to bring it up to date. First, there is the masonry repair process. This entails fixing any cracks and chips in the existing masonry. It may be accomplished through caulking or by replacing entire sections of the masonry.
With masonry restoration, the building’s masonry exterior is replaced with new materials that are chosen to match the building’s original look. This is a much more complex process than repair and is something that is often carried out on older buildings with masonry that needs to be replaced completely.
Any damaged masonry must be removed carefully to avoid damaging the walls or compromising the building’s structure, and the right materials and techniques must be used to match the building’s original finish.
There are many reasons that a property owner would choose restoration over repair, particularly if their building is historic. Outlined below are some of the most popular reasons to opt for masonry restoration.
Preserve Historical Significance
One of the strongest arguments in favor of restoring masonry instead of replacing it is preserving the historical significance of a property. The history of a building is what gives it character, and preserving it will maintain its original look and sentimental value to the homeowner. This is also important for historic buildings, as communities can benefit culturally, economically, socially and environmentally when historic buildings are restored instead of torn down and rebuilt.
Historic masonry restoration is a slightly different type of work than standard masonry restoration because special care is needed due to the building’s age and historical status. Tearing out old masonry and replacing it with a new work is not always an option for historic properties, where preservation guidelines may dictate how they must be restored to protect their historic value.
Great care will be taken to ensure that if, for example, a Victorian building is being restored, the type of brick used is a Victorian brick and the process is carried out like it would have been done during the Victorian era. Restoring a 100-year-old masonry building requires a different procedure and materials than restoring a building that is just a few decades old.
Adds Value To Your Home
Masonry restoration can add value to your home by bringing back your property’s original beauty. Masonry that is in good condition not only makes the property look better; it also makes it more energy efficient and resistant to mold and fires.
New masonry raises a building’s thermal mass, which makes it easier to regulate the inside temperature and can lead to energy savings. In addition, the fact that it is not flammable makes it less susceptible to fire damage on the outside of the building.
Restores The Overall Look Of Your Home
Restoring bricks and other types of masonry is a great way to make your home look cleaner and newer, regardless of its age. Curb appeal can go a long way toward attracting buyers or tenants or simply improving your personal satisfaction with your home.
Prolongs The Life Of The Building
Masonry is incredibly stable and durable, which means that masonry restoration will last for a very long time. It will improve the building’s weather resistance, which can prevent costly repairs later. It can also prolong the building’s life in the sense that it is resistant to mold and all of the structural and health problems that can come along with it.
Contact Masonry Restoration Professionals
If you are considering masonry restoration, it is important to bring in masonry experts who know how to bring the structure back to its original condition using techniques such as tuck pointing, chemical cleaning, replacement and rebuilding.
Get in touch with the professionals at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration to find out how their team can help preserve your building’s original beauty. Their masonry restoration experts possess the expertise and qualifications needed to successfully address a range of masonry issues and match any type of material.