Masonry Restoration 101

Buildings constructed of materials that are bound together by mortar are considered to be masonry buildings. The most common masonry buildings are made from brick, but they can also be made of stone such as marble and granite, and even blocks of glass.

At Over the Top Waterproofing, we’re fascinated by Philadelphia’s rich masonry history and architecture. Philadelphia has a long history of building brick houses, from the first brick house being built in 1684  up to row houses being synonymous with the city.

And, did you know that Philadelphia’s City Hall is the world’s largest masonry building, and it is made of brick, marble, limestone and granite?

There’s a good reason for having so many brick homes - masonry is incredibly durable. However, just like any other building material, it will experience some wear and tear over time. General exposure to the elements will erode and break down most building materials over time, no matter how durable. That’s why it’s so important to keep on top of repairs.

With such an abundance of masonry buildings, and buildings with brick facades, it’s inevitable that over time many Philly residents will need some form of masonry repair or restoration on their homes.

Masonry restoration vs repair

The biggest difference between masonry restoration and masonry repair is the scale of the work that is needed. Repairs are normally quicker, lower-cost jobs that can be easily done. Restoration is a larger-scale project that may cost more.

Examples of masonry repairs:

·        Crumbling mortar

·        Chipped or cracked bricks

·        Chipped or cracked stones

Repairing these generally involves patching any gaps in the mortar and/or replacing damaged bricks.

Masonry restoration, on the other hand, can involve replacing large portions of the brick or stonework. Restoration helps to preserve the building, and in many cases, can improve the appearance of the building as well as the structural integrity.

The importance of regular masonry repairs

Performing regular repairs on your home’s masonry means that you can avoid the need for larger-scale and more expensive restoration work. Regular repairs can prolong the life of your masonry and keep your home looking great.

It’s important to contact a masonry repair and restoration expert as soon as you discover any signs of damage. Ignoring issues can be dangerous and may impact the structural integrity of your building. Some of the problems associated with damaged masonry include:

·        Mold

·        Fungus

·        Insect infestations

·        Flooding

·        Structural damage.

At Over The Top Waterproofing, we offer masonry restoration and masonry repair in the Philadelphia and the Tri-state area. What’s more, our team of masonry contractors are experts in brick, stone, and concrete masonry and delivering long-lasting results. Dedicated to the very highest standards, we remove old masonry materials such as bricks or mortar,  and we take care to replace them with new materials that match the original so that the appearance of your home is enhanced.

Want to know how much your masonry restoration and repair will cost? Call us at (609) 846-8442 today. Alternatively,  fill out the online Quick Quote Form and our masonry experts will get in touch with a FREE masonry estimate for your specific concerns!