Claremont Brick Pointing
Brick Pointing in Claremont, Bronx
Failed mortar joints on pre war walk ups and apartment buildings near Claremont Park cut out and repointed to keep water out of the wall.
- Loose mortar removed and replaced
- Mortar chosen to suit the old brick
- Written estimate after a free visit
What Is Brick Pointing and Why Do Claremont Buildings Need It?
Brick pointing, also called repointing or tuckpointing, replaces mortar that has worn out between bricks. Claremont has many pre war walk ups and older apartment buildings. Their mortar is decades old, and once it crumbles, water gets into the wall and damages the brick.
Mortar is the softer part of a wall and wears first by design. When it recedes or turns to powder, rain reaches the brick and the wall behind it.
Winter does the rest. Water inside the joints freezes, expands and breaks off face material. Left alone, that damage spreads and repairs get larger.
Signs mortar is failing
Look for joints you can scratch with a key, gaps between bricks, white powder on the wall, and bricks that sit loose. Stains below a window also point to water entering the wall.
How Is Repointing Done on an Older Brick Wall?
Crews cut the old mortar back to a measured depth and brush the joints clean. New mortar goes in thin layers, and each joint is shaped to echo the original look. Mortar strength must suit the old brick, since a mix that is too hard can crack it.
| Step | What we do | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Survey | Check joints and brick faces | Find the scope of work |
| Cut out | Remove failed mortar | Give new mortar something to bond to |
| Clean | Brush and rinse the joints | Remove dust that blocks a bond |
| Fill | Pack new mortar in layers | Prevent voids |
| Tool | Shape the joint profile | Shed water and match the wall |
Cracked or spalled bricks are replaced as part of the job when needed. We note them in the estimate so there are no surprises.
Do Facade Rules Apply to Claremont Buildings?
Local Law 11 facade inspections start at buildings taller than six floors. Scaffolding or sidewalk sheds can involve city permits. We know of no historic district in Claremont, but confirm current rules with the city for your address.
Many Claremont buildings are walk ups under that height, but some larger apartment buildings are covered. If yours is, a licensed professional handles the inspection filing, and we handle the repair work.
Work from the sidewalk may require protection for people walking below. We plan access so that a path stays open. If the sidewalk in front of the wall is damaged, we can also help with that. See our Claremont sidewalk repair page.
We do not promise how long a repair will last, because that depends on the brick, the weather and how well water is kept off the wall.
Can Pointing Stop Leaks in a Basement or Wall?
Repointing can stop water from entering through open joints in a wall above grade. It will not fix groundwater rising into a basement. Many older Claremont buildings sit on hillsides, so we look at how water moves around the building before we recommend a fix.
If you see damp plaster inside near a window or a bay, mortar is a likely cause. If the dampness is at the floor level of the cellar, the cause is usually different. In that case our basement waterproofing service may apply.
Mortar Falling Out of Your Wall?
Send us the address and some photos. We will inspect the wall and price the repair in writing.
Schedule
How Is a Pointing Job Scheduled?
We inspect the wall, measure the area and send a written scope. Work is planned around weather, since mortar needs mild, dry conditions to cure. Larger walls are done in sections. Your estimate lists the area covered and any brick replacement.
Inspect
We study the joints and brick faces.
Estimate
You get a written scope and price.
Cut and fill
Old mortar out, new mortar in.
Finish
We tool the joints and clean the wall.
Nearby
Brick Pointing Near Claremont
Nearby neighborhoods where we also repoint brick.
FAQ
Claremont Brick Pointing Questions
The words are used loosely. Each describes replacing worn mortar joints. We use whichever term you prefer.
Crumbling joints, gaps and loose bricks are the main signs. We check during a free visit.
We choose a mix and color that suit the existing wall. A test patch is possible on request.
Yes. Cracked or spalled bricks are listed in the estimate and replaced as part of the work.
We do. Call (718) 468-8803 to book a visit.
Contact
Request Your Claremont Brick Pointing Estimate
Tell us which wall is failing and how tall the building is. Photos help.
- Call us(718) 468-8803
- HoursMon to Sat, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Free on site estimate with a written price
- Licensed and insured, 25+ years in business
- We handle DOT sidewalk permits
- Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx
Get Your Free Estimate
Takes about a minute. No cost and no obligation.