While brick may be the foundation of your abode, masonry is essentially the glue that holds it together. Masonry maintenance is often overlooked but a key element, in particular to century homes. Here are a few tips to keep your home in tip top shape:
1. Know your maintenance cycles. Most buildings need tuckpointing maintenance every 50 to 60 years. First signs of wear are generally found on the chimney.
2. Match the mortar. New mortar should match as closely as possible in colour, consistency, and elevation. Using too much Portland cement (basic element) in the mix creates hard mortars, which can damage old buildings.
3. Never grind out joints. Only deteriorated mortar should be removed. If someone tells you otherwise, run.
4. Never use sealers. Sealers trap moisture, compounding problems during freeze/thaw cycles.
5. Replace in kind. Damaged masonry units should be replaced whole or via Dutchmen of the same material. Voids filled with putty don’t last.
