5 Questions to Ask a Tuckpointing Company Before Hiring
Tuckpointing is a very common technique in the world of brick installation, but it’s not as common for people who work outside of the industry. Nonetheless, tuckpointing helps make brick buildings look more modern, varied, and stylish. Fortunately, for experts like Brickworks Property Restoration, tuckpointing is a piece of cake.
In today’s article, we will answer the 5 most common questions to ask a tuckpointing company before hiring them and provide useful information about the technique.
What is tuckpointing?
As previously mentioned, tuckpointing is not very well-known for those who don’t work with bricks on a daily basis. So, what is tuckpointing? In essence, tuckpointing is simply the technique of using two alternating colors of mortar between each layer of bricks. One of the colors generally matches the color of the brick, giving the impression that there are two thin mortar joints between each brick, even though there’s only one. Tuckpointing has been around for centuries, but it remains one of the most popular brickwork techniques to this day.
How much does tuckpointing cost?
The exact cost will vary by provider and project. However, consumers can expect to pay anywhere between $10-$20 per square foot for tuckpointing. For larger projects, the rate per foot may be reduced. For example, if you want to get tuckpointing done for your chimney, you’ll likely pay between $150-$300. Alternatively, if you want it done for a larger structure, you’ll likely pay several thousand dollars (but less per square foot).
Is tuckpointing purely visual?
No, tuckpointing is not just a visual feature. In fact, tuckpointing serves a specific purpose with chimneys. If you don’t tuckpoint the mortar joints on your chimney, you risk having more water enter your chimney system. Over time, this can cause damage to your chimney and result in higher long-term repair costs.
How long does tuckpointing take to finish?
Much like price, the amount of time will depend on the specifics of your renovation project. That said, a typical chimney tuckpointing project can be finished in an afternoon. One mason can usually finish the job in 4-6 hours. Needless to say, more than one mason can significantly reduce the time, but increase the labor costs.
What’s the difference between tuckpointing and repointing?
As mentioned above, tuckpointing is the practice of implementing multiple colors on mortar joints. However, it is frequently confused with pointing or repointing. However, repointing is the act of repairing or replacing mortar joints in general. Thus, tuckpointing and repointing can be done at the same time, but they refer to two distinct services.
Conclusion
Tuckpointing is a very important element of brickwork repair and construction. While it may be a new term for the uninitiated, it is a common practice that can help brick structures look more appealing. Moreover, tuckpointing can help increase the value of brick structures and reduce water damage to chimneys. So, if you’re in need of new brickwork for your home or business, consider getting tuckpointing done at the same time!
If you’d like to learn more about tuckpointing, consult the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!
Why Are There Black Stains On Your Brick Walls?
Brick is one of the most popular materials with which to build schools, houses, hospitals, government buildings, and many other common building types. Brick is durable and, compared to many other materials, relatively inexpensive. However, brick does come with a few drawbacks. If you have lived or worked in a brick building for more than a few years, you might have noticed black stains growing on the walls.
So, why are there black stains on your brick walls? Do they pose a risk to your health? Most importantly, what can you do to get rid of these black stains? We will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s take a closer look at brick and why it can accumulate black stains over time:
Black or Dark Stains On Brick Wall Exteriors
Though you probably won’t see black stains if you have brick interiors, you will almost certainly see black stains on brick wall exteriors at some point. If you do see dark, black, or even green stains on the exterior of your brick home, there are a couple of possible culprits:
- Accumulated moisture.
- Dirt.
- Lichen.
- Moss.
- Algae.
Needless to say, the cause of your stain will determine how you can deal with it. It will also tell you if the problem could cause you any health concerns. Therefore, it is vital that you identify the underlying cause of a black stain before taking action.
How to Identify and Fix the Stain
The easiest way to see what’s causing the stain is to simply brush the area in question with a broom or even a (gloved) hand. If nothing falls off of the black stain, it’s likely accumulated moisture. While accumulated moisture is generally not a major issue, it can lead to a phenomenon known as spalling, in which moisture causes thermal expansion. Over time, this expansion can cause cracks, peeling, or other damage to your brickwork. So, if you believe that moisture has accumulated in your bricks, you should call a brick expert before any damage sets in.
Fortunately, if you find that the stain is merely an accumulation of dirt, this is an easy fix. You can usually brush away loose dirt in a matter of minutes. However, if you find that the dirt has hardened to the brick surface, you may need to pressure wash your walls to completely remove the dirt stain.
When black stains are caused by lichen, moss, or algae, you can generally use the same methods as you would with dirt. However, there’s always the chance that the lichen, moss, or algae could return with time. Moreover, lichen and algae can produce issues for people with asthma or allergy problems. So, it’s best to remove them from your brick wall as soon as possible.
Conclusion
In most cases, a black stain on your brick wall is not a cause for alarm. However, if you worry about the possible health effects of lichen or algae, you’ll want to fix the problem immediately. Additionally, allowing moisture to accumulate can eventually lead to expensive damage to the structure of your home. So, it’s best to call the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration before a black stain on your brick wall turns into a nightmare!
If you’d like to learn more about repairing or replacing your brick exterior, consult the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!
3 Reasons to Prioritize a Chimney Cap Repair
When most people think about roof repairs, they think about roof replacements or damaged shingles. Unfortunately, most people don’t think about their chimney. Even fewer people think about their chimney caps. However, the chimney cap is a vital device that, with proper maintenance, can provide years of lasting protection for your chimney and fireplace. So, let’s take a look at 3 reasons to prioritize a chimney cap repair.
Chimney Caps Are Inexpensive
Chimney caps are not very complicated. They are just coverings that are fixed on the top of your chimney. Most chimney caps are made of a steel or copper mesh. They vary in style and design based on your tastes and the dimensions of your chimney.
On average, brand new chimney caps cost about $60, plus the labor to install them. In short, they are one of the least expensive parts of your roof to repair or replace. This is especially important when you consider the function of a chimney cap.
Chimney Caps Serve a Vital Purpose
Chimney caps are designed to protect your fireplace, flue, and the inside of your chimney from water, debris, and even animals. This may sound relatively unimportant, but when you consider the potential consequences of having a damaged chimney cap, replacing or repairing it will seem much more tempting.
Rainwater and other debris can cause untold damage to your chimney over time. Moreover, if a raccoon or similar animal is able to get into your home through your chimney, they will cause even more damage to the rest of your house. An inexpensive chimney cap can end up saving you thousands of dollars in home repairs by keeping water, debris, and animals out.
Chimney Caps Prevent Devaluation
For many people, a house is not just a place to rest their heads at night. A house is also a long-term investment that can appreciate or depreciate in value. If you don’t keep up the maintenance on your house, it could fall into disrepair. Unfortunately, houses can be very expensive to maintain. However, a chimney cap is one inexpensive way to add value and prevent future devaluation.
Though a chimney cap does not add a lot of value on its own, it does stop devaluation by preventing damage to your chimney and fireplace. While this may not seem like a huge concern now, it could be when it comes time to sell your house. A damaged chimney or fireplace will cost thousands of dollars to repair. The burden will either fall on you or the person who buys your home. In any case, you will either have to pay for the repairs or drop your selling price to account for the damage.
So, rather than go through this headache and lose out on thousands of dollars, simply maintain your chimney cap. It usually takes less than an hour for a professional to install a brand new one. This makes chimney cap replacement a quick and easy way to keep up the value of your home.
If you’d like to learn more about repairing or replacing your chimney cap, contact the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!
How to Find a Waterproofing Company to Protect Your Home & Basement
If you live in an area that’s prone to flash floods or inclement weather, then you know how important it is to have a waterproof home and basement. It can make the difference between weathering the storm and losing all of your possessions. It may sound dramatic, but many families have suffered the consequences of living in homes that are not protected from water. So, what can you do to waterproof your home and basement?
Can I Waterproof My Home or Basement by Myself?
The answer to this question is complicated. There are certain actions you can (and should) take to secure your home or basement against water damage. However, a professional waterproofing company has the expertise and equipment to ensure that your house can withstand even heavy water intrusion. In any case, let’s take a look at what you can do to waterproof your own home:
- Clean and repair your gutters - Rain gutters help divert rainwater so that it doesn’t collect in or around your home. If your gutters are full of debris or damaged, you could be exposing yourself to water damage when the next big storm comes along.
- Check your windows and doors - Over time, windows and doors can swell (especially in humid climates), leaving unsealed openings behind. You will need to ensure that your windows and doors are properly sealed off to keep water out.
While these steps will help to some degree, they will only go so far. The truth is that you need a professional to deal with things such as foundational damage, damage to your roof, and other potential problem areas. Without a professional waterproofing company, you could be exposing your home and basement to untold risk.
What Does a Professional Waterproofing Company Do?
Now that we’ve looked at what you can do to waterproof your home, let’s see what a professional waterproofing company can do for you:
- Check your roofing - It goes without saying that gutters are useless if you have damage to your roofing. Cracks in your roofing will quickly allow water to accumulate in your home and cause costly damage. A waterproofing company can fix roof damage and ensure that your chimneys and plumbing vents are properly sealed.
- Check your foundation - If you have a concrete foundation, it will almost certainly take damage over time. Cracks in your foundation will allow water to seep in, causing damage without you even knowing about it. A waterproofing company can find these cracks and seal them before they cause any damage.
- Evaluate your basement - While most people assume that their roof is the greatest source of water leaks, it’s the basement that often lets in the most moisture. Once dampness accumulates, it can be difficult to get out. Fortunately, a professional waterproofing contractor will evaluate your basement for problem areas and fix them for you.
How to Find the Right Waterproofing Company to Protect Your Home & Basement
If you’re worried about water damage in your home, you need to find a reliable waterproofing company. Thankfully, Brickworks Property Restoration is the solution for you. We have a proven track record of helping homeowners protect their homes and basements from the elements and unseen water damage. So, if you live in the Detroit area and need help waterproofing your home, Brickworks Property Restoration is here to help.
For more information on professional waterproofing for your home and basement, contact the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!
The Chimney Restoration Process from Top to Bottom
If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve probably had plenty of free time to contemplate home-repair projects over the past few months. While there are certainly many little jobs that you should be able to complete on your own, it’s generally a good idea to leave chimney repairs to the pros. Here, we’ll explain the chimney restoration process from top-to-bottom and cover every potential issue a homeowner may face. Consider this your guide to chimney maintenance and safety:
Caps are Crucial
Investing in the right chimney cap (or chimney cover) is essential to maintaining chimney safety. These small caps can prevent sparks or flames from spreading out of the top of the chimney should a fire get out of control. What’s more, they also stop animals like birds from building nests that may block ventilation in your chimney. Similarly, chimney crowns provide cover for the top of the chimney. Though, these crowns often need to be repaired because some builders use cheap mortar to form them.
Fixing Faulty Flashing
Chimney flashing consists of two sheets of metal that are placed at the base where a chimney intersects with the roof. The primary function of chimney flashing is to prevent moisture from entering at the vulnerable point where the chimney connects to the roof. Unfortunately, leaky flashing can lead to a myriad of issues like brick deterioration and loss of structural integrity. So it’s important to repair and replace flashing as needed.
Interior & Exterior Chimney Problems
It may not always be obvious that a chimney is becoming unsafe. That’s because many issues related to chimney safety are easy to overlook. For one, creosote buildup can cause chimney fires to burn dangerously hot. But identifying creosote within the chimney itself usually requires a full inspection. (This is also why an interior flue lining is so important.) In addition, some homeowners may not notice loose bricks, flue-lining deterioration, or darkened smoke when they light a fire –– all of which may indicate significant chimney damage.
Water-Based Issues
As with any brick structure, chimneys are most susceptible to damage from extensive exposure to water (this also includes ice and snow). Over time, water can cause bricks to crack, split, and become loose. And when this occurs on the inside or outside of a chimney, the integrity of the structure can become compromised. Note also that while new brick structures will typically last decades with relatively little upkeep, the mortar in between bricks is more vulnerable to erosion. As such, homeowners may need to invest in tuckpointing or spot tuckpointing to fix potential chimney problems.
Base & Tile Cracks
The tiles around your chimney’s base should be solid and secure. If the tiles around the fireplace become cracked or damaged, it could create other issues within the chimney.
Chimney Fires
Even if you don’t use your chimney often, consistent maintenance is vital. That’s because chimney fires are surprisingly common and, predictably, damaging. Indeed, there are over 25,000 chimney fires per year, and they cause around $125 million dollars in property damage.
Due to the danger of chimney fires, it’s recommended that homeowners follow safety best practices when using their fireplace. In addition, they should also schedule several chimney inspections and cleanings –– one before and one after the winter –– to ensure any major issues can be identified and addressed before regular use.
Contact Us
At Brickworks, we have years of experience working with homeowners and businesses in the Detroit metro area. Our team is professional and detail-oriented and we only use the highest-quality masonry materials when we take on a project. If your chimney is overdue for an inspection –– or if you need repair help right away –– give us a call today at (586) 330-4920 to schedule an appointment.
Brick Porch Repair: When to DIY & When to Hire a Contractor
If your property features a brick front (or back) porch, you know that time can do a lot of damage. Weather, foreign objects, and general deterioration can all turn your beautiful brick porch into a shabby mess after a while. However, many people are unsure when a brick porch repair calls for a contractor and when it just needs a DIY solution.
When to Do a Brick Porch Repair Yourself
You don’t need to be a brick or construction expert to fix minor issues with your porch. That said, it’s easy to get in over your head if the damage is extensive. So, let’s go over a few scenarios in which you can easily repair a brick porch on your own:
- Stains and Discoloration - Over time, red brick loses quite a bit of its luster. Fortunately, stains and other discoloration are pretty easy to fix on your own. In some cases, discoloration is the result of dirt and grime that has accumulated on the surfaces of your porch. When this happens, you simply need to clean your brick porch with a hose and a scrub brush. If the discoloration has set into the brick, you might need to stain your porch. Either way, you won’t need to call a contractor for these kinds of issues.
- Missing Bricks - In some cases, a poorly installed brick might fall from its place on your porch. As long as you have easy access to the hole, you can usually fix the problem yourself. You simply need to reinsert the brick and use Gorilla Glue or a mortar mixture to hold it in place.
- Minor Cracks - Small cracks are just an aesthetic issue. They do not compromise the strength or integrity of a brick structure. In the event that your brick porch has a few small cracks, you can fill in these gaps with a strong mortar mixture. Depending on how the crack looks from the exterior, you may want to stain your bricks when you’re done.
When to Hire a Contractor to Do a Brick Porch Repair
Now that we’ve covered some DIY scenarios, it’s time to look at more severe situations. In some cases, you simply cannot fix a brick porch without help from an expert. Let’s look at a few common scenarios that require the help of a contractor:
- Shifting - Shifting occurs when part or all of your brick porch begins to shift sideways. This most often occurs due to a weak foundation. While minor shifting won’t cause any structural problems, major shifting can become a safety issue. So, if you see that your brick porch is shifting, call a contractor.
- Broken Bricks - Broken bricks can happen if a foreign object (tree, car, etc.) hits your porch. This can cause extensive damage that would be complicated to deal with on your own. Replacing one missing brick is not a huge issue; replacing several broken bricks should be left up to a professional.
- Severe Cracks - Large cracks (especially vertical ones) can threaten the structural integrity of a brick porch. These can also occur as a result of damage from a foreign object. If your porch has a large or severe crack, let a contractor handle it as soon as possible.
Bottom Line
Brick is a solid construction material that can usually withstand the test of time. However, no two brick structures are the same. If your brick porch has severe damage, you shouldn’t try to fix it on your own. That said, if the damage is minimal, you can make it your next DIY project!
For more information on brick porch repair, contact the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!
Considering a Cultured Stone Installation? Read this First!
Cultured stone is a crucial feature to many home-renovation projects. Cultured stone presents a number of key benefits to homeowners (as we’ll explore further below), and it is a very popular material in modern home masonry. However, as with any product, it’s important to use cultured stone in the right way, in the right settings, and for the right reasons. If you’ve been considering a cultured stone installation, then make sure to read this blog first to ensure that you get all the info you need about this unique material:
Cultured Stone vs Natural Stone
As opposed to natural stone, cultured stone is a manufactured product. Specifically, professionals create cultured stone by pouring concrete mixes into molds to mimic the appearance and feel of real stone. It’s worth noting here that there is no substitute for genuine stone. Upon close inspection, it’s possible to tell the difference between cultured stone and actual stone. Homeowners who are adamant about using real stone probably shouldn’t use cultured stone.
On the other hand, cultured stone presents a number of key advantages over natural stone, including:
- Greater selection. Natural stone choices are often restricted by region, and since natural stone is a man-made product, it can be altered more easily.
- Lighter. Cultured stone is lighter than natural stone and thus places less pressure on a home’s foundation. This, in turn, also makes cultured stone more versatile.
- Cheaper. In almost all instances, cultured stone is cheaper than natural stone.
Cultured Stone Exteriors & Interiors
Over the years, homeowners have used cultured stone in a variety of ways. And, because cultured stone is such a flexible product, it’s suited for use both indoors and outdoors. In terms of cultured stone exteriors, remember that some compositions of cultured stone may be more susceptible to 1) water damage and 2) fading from exposure to sunlight than other materials. So homeowners who opt for a cultured stone exterior may need to focus on upkeep more than homeowners who use cultured stone for interior walls. On the plus side, when taken care of properly, cultured stone walls can last for 50 years without noticeable problems.
Choosing an Installation Company
Cultured stone may be a relatively simple product to work with, but that doesn’t mean that homeowners can afford to hire just any company to install it. Indeed, it’s important for homeowners to partner with a masonry company that is capable of all of the following:
- Providing a wide array of cultured stone products with different looks and in different price ranges.
- Installing the stone quickly, effectively, and accurately to prevent any structural or aesthetic issues from occurring.
- Integrating cultured stone fixtures within a home renovation project.
- Following up with regular inspections and maintenance for all masonry materials.
By picking the right masonry company now, you’ll likely save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress later.
Contact Us
At Brickworks, we’re not just experts in cultured stone. In fact, we’re comfortable taking on all sorts of home-masonry projects. Our team has years of experience in the field, and we’ll work closely with you to ensure your next home-improvement project comes off perfectly. Contact us here to get started!
The #1 Reason Why You Need A Chimney Crown
There’s lots to love about a well-maintained chimney. If you’ve ever curled up in front of the fireplace on your couch on a cold, winter day, then you know exactly what we’re talking about. Indeed, a fireplace and chimney can add several thousand dollars to the valuation of a home. However, even the best-made chimneys occasionally require maintenance from time to time. One of the most important things that a homeowner can do to protect their chimney is to add a chimney crown. Here, we’ll explain what chimney crowns are and why they matter so much:
What are Chimney Crowns?
A chimney crown is a large slab that covers the top of the chimney. They are often made from leftover mortar from the chimney construction itself. Don’t confuse chimney crowns with chimney caps, though. Chimney caps are metal or plastic coverings that prevent birds or other animals entering your chimney.
Why Are Chimney Crowns Important?
Chimney crowns mostly serve to prevent water from entering through the top of a chimney. While this might not sound like much, it’s crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of the chimney. Unfortunately, water damage can not only affect how a chimney looks, but how it functions. Water damage can cause bricks to come loose, or baseboards or walls to become warped. If allowed to deteriorate over time, water damage can even cause chimneys to become unsafe or susceptible to fires. And that’s the last thing any homeowner wants to hear!
Installing/Replacing a Chimney Crown
Almost all chimneys already have a chimney crown. However, if for whatever reason your chimney doesn’t have a crown, it’s crucial to contact a professional to install one immediately.
More often, though, builders will use cheap mortar to create a chimney crown. This can present a problem. While some mortars will hold up well over time, others may begin to break down, develop chips, or crack. When you notice this occurring, it’s time to take action.
Repairing Chimney Crowns
Sometimes, professionals may be able to fix chimney crowns before they become damaged beyond repair. Otherwise, a full replacement may be in order. The good news is that replacing a chimney crown can be a cost-effective way to ensure the safety of your chimney for many years. Quality masonry repairs may last for decades.
Scheduling Regular Inspections
A chimney crown is an integral component of chimney safety. Yet, it is just one aspect. Thankfully, by scheduling regular inspections, homeowners can guarantee that their chimney works perfectly every time. Plus, annual inspections will allow professionals to diagnose and amend issues before they become massive –– and costly –– problems.
Contact the Pros
At Brickworks, we can offer homeowners quality, professional advice and chimney maintenance. We only use the highest-quality materials during our repair projects, and our team members are trustworthy and experienced. If you’re concerned about the safety of your chimney or fireplace, or if you’re overdue for an inspection, then contact us here. Don’t wait until it’s too late, call now.
What is Cultured Stone?
Few homeowners are masonry experts. So it can be easy to get confused when professionals start throwing around terms like “cultured stone,” or “natural stone veneer” in conversation. Plenty of people have gotten lost trying to follow industry jargon like this before. Thankfully, today we aim to clear up some of the confusion surrounding this subject. Just what is cultured stone? In brief, cultured stone is a manufactured approximation of natural stone that is made by concrete molds. Now that we’ve cleared that up, we can explain some of the nuances associated with this building material.
What are the Benefits of Cultured Stone?
One of the biggest advantages cultured stone brings to the table is its versatility. Unlike natural stone, cultured stone is a man-made product. This means that homeowners have a wide variety of choices when it comes to cultured stone patterns, colors, and designs. In addition, cultured stone is cheaper than natural stone; it costs less to produce and install. Plus, it’s lighter than natural stone, which means it places less strain on a home’s foundation. Lastly, professionals can usually install cultured stone faster than natural stone fixtures.
Are there Any Drawbacks Associated with Cultured Stone?
Here at Brickworks Property Restoration, we’re big believers in cultured stone, and we use it often. However, there are certain reasons why a homeowner might not want to use cultured stone. For one, while cultured stone has a great, authentic look, it is an imitation of real stone. It’s possible to notice the difference between the two under very close inspection. Sticklers for a certain type of natural stone, then, may be better served going that route. Also, natural stone is slightly more durable than cultured stone. Over the course of many years, natural stone tends to fade less in direct sunlight than natural stone. (Interior walls made from cultured stone, then, are less likely to experience fading.) With proper upkeep, cultured stone walls may last 50 years or more without significant degradation.
Is Cultured Stone Right for Your Home?
Ultimately, the choice of whether to use cultured stone or natural stone veneer in your home is up to you. Still, we find that most homeowners appreciate the value, flexibility, and the appearance of cultured stone. It’s also worth noting that some natural stone designs might not be available for homeowners living in certain parts of the country. Remember, natural stone has to be mined from a quarry, treated, and formed before installation, and these procedures add up.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, how well a home improvement project looks depends on the quality of masonry installation. Thankfully, the professionals here at Brickworks have the experience, tools, and resources to take on any masonry assignment. Not only is our team comfortable completing cultured stone projects, but we’re also experts in brick repair and installation. So we’re happy to take on all aspects of a home improvement project! Contact us here at (586) 330-4843 for more information.
7 Common Mortar Joint Styles & How to Recognize Them
When it comes to brick and masonry work, the devil is in the details. Indeed, small decisions and precise execution are often the differences between professional and amateur brick repair. One great example of this is the formation of mortar joint styles. Mortar joints are the mixtures of mortar and/or grout that rest in between bricks. And if you’ve never worked on a brick structure before, you may not realize that not all mortar joints are the same. In fact, there are seven common different joint styles –– each with their own set of pros and cons. We’ll explain them all here so that you can recognize them for yourself:
Concave Joint
This is the most common type of mortar joint used in exterior brick walls. Concave joints are, unsurprisingly, shaped with a slightly curved, concave pattern. This allows for maximum water resistance because it prevents rain from accumulating on any flat surfaces. By looking closely, you should be able to see a small depression in the mortar joints between the bricks of an exterior wall.
V Joint
Unlike a concave joint, which has a rounded center, V joints have a v-shaped appearance. When constructed properly, V joints can also help prevent water damage. However, they are more difficult to form correctly and can enable water accumulation in some instances.
Flush Joint
Flush joints sit exactly in line with bricks on a wall. Because of this, flush joints are harder to form and maintain (since mortar will naturally squeeze out from under brick) and harder to waterproof. Typically, mortar joints are used in walls that are going to be plastered or painted over anyway, and the decision to use them is often a stylistic one.
Extruded Joint
Extruded joints are the only type of joint that don’t require tooling equipment. Rather, you can form an extruded joint simply by placing bricks on top of mortar. The mortar will push out and form an extrusion that sits between bricks. This is not to be recommended, though, since the extra surface area practically invites water damage.
Internal Wall Joints
There’s a big difference between interior and exterior brick walls. While the following joint styles have unique aesthetic qualities, they don’t provide water resistance and are not recommended for external use:
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- Grapevine Joint. Grapevine joints were very popular during America’s colonial period and are now most often used when dealing with antiques or retro-styled brickwork.
- Raked Joint. Raked joints are similar to flush joints, but rather than aligning perfectly with the brick, they sit back about 2mm. This gives the joint a depressed look and subsequently makes the bricks “pop.” Not recommended for external use.
- Struck & Weathered Joints. Both are formed using a sharp angle to create a mortar “slope” in between bricks. Struck joints slant downwards and should not be used in exterior walls. Weathered joints slant up and can sometimes be used in exteriors.
Conclusion
Precisely forming a mortar joint style requires persistence, patience, and the appropriate tools. Thankfully, the professionals at Brickworks Property Restoration have the experience and the equipment to tackle any brick or masonry job –– no matter how big, small, straightforward, or complex. Contact us here at (586) 330-4843 for more information. We’re happy to take on domestic and commercial projects!