Hunts Point Brick Pointing
Brick Pointing in Hunts Point, Bronx
Failed mortar on pre war apartment buildings, brick row houses and older commercial walls cut out and replaced so water stays outside the wall.
- Mortar matched to the old brick
- Loose bricks reset
- Free written estimate after a site visit
Why Does Mortar Fail on Hunts Point Buildings?
Age, weather and constant vibration wear mortar down. Hunts Point buildings sit near heavy truck routes, and rumble from the street shakes old joints loose. Rain then gets into the open gaps and works its way deeper with every freeze.
The residential part of Hunts Point, around Hunts Point Avenue and Lafayette Avenue, has pre war apartment buildings and brick row houses. Many were built with soft lime mortar that has been wearing for a century. Sandy joints and gaps show up first on the sides facing the weather.
- Mortar sandy or crumbling by hand
- Joints recessed deep behind the brick face
- Hairline cracks running along mortar lines
- Bricks loose or shifting in place
- White salt stains on the wall surface
- Moss or damp patches near the roofline
The peninsula is surrounded by water, and the air carries moisture most of the year. Damp air and salt from winter roads add to the damage on lower courses of brick.
Older commercial buildings and warehouse walls in the area have the same problem. Open joints on a tall wall let water reach steel lintels, and rust there can push the brick out of line.
Seeing Crumbling Mortar on Your Wall?
Send a photo and we will tell you what the wall needs.
How We Fix It
How Is Brick Pointing Done on Older Walls?
The crew grinds or chisels out failed mortar to a safe depth, cleans the joints and packs in new mortar in layers. We match the color and hardness to the original so the wall can keep breathing. The joints are then tooled to shed water.
Mortar that is harder than the brick damages the brick over time, so the mix matters. On old walls we choose a mortar that is softer than the brick it holds.
Loose or spalled bricks are reset or replaced with matching ones. We look at lintels and parapets while the wall is open, since rust and leaks often start there.
Scaffolding or a swing stage is used on taller buildings. We plan access with the owner or manager before the work starts.
What Rules Apply to Brick Work in Hunts Point?
Repointing a facade is a maintenance job, but scaffolding on the sidewalk generally needs permits, and structural brick work can involve the Department of Buildings. Manida Street is a historic district, where landmark rules may apply. Confirm current rules with the city.
On Manida Street, a historic district covers the row houses. The Landmarks Preservation Commission may review changes to the look of a facade, including mortar color and joint style. Matching the original is usually the simplest path, and we can describe what we would do.
Taller buildings, those above six stories, come under the Local Law 11 facade program. A report may call for repointing and brick repair, and we can price the work from the findings.
Falling brick is a safety matter. If you see pieces coming loose over a sidewalk, keep people away and call us. Owners also maintain the sidewalk below under Admin Code 19-152, and our sidewalk violations page covers notices.
Why Us
Why Hunts Point Owners Choose Us for Brick Work
Right mortar for old brick
We match hardness and color so the wall lasts.
Itemized estimate
Area, depth of cut and repairs are listed in writing.
25+ years in NYC
Licensed and insured, with long experience on pre war masonry.
Nearby
Brick Pointing Near Hunts Point
We also repoint brick in the neighborhoods around Hunts Point.
FAQ
Hunts Point Brick Pointing Questions
Look for crumbling mortar, deep recessed joints, loose bricks and damp patches inside. Scratch a joint with a key. If it comes out as sand, it is time.
People use the words loosely. Repointing means cutting out old mortar and filling the joints with new mortar, which is the work we do.
We test the mix against the old joints for color and hardness. Fresh mortar looks lighter at first and weathers closer to the original.
It can loosen aged mortar over time. Sound new joints hold the brick in place better.
Call (718) 468-8803 and we will walk the wall and write up the price.
Free on site estimate
Protect Your Hunts Point Brick From Water
A visit, a written scope and joints done to last.
Contact
Request Your Hunts Point Brick Pointing Quote
Tell us the building type and where the mortar has failed. Photos of the wall 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.