Morris Heights Brick Pointing
Brick Pointing in Morris Heights, Bronx
Failing mortar joints cut out and repointed on pre war apartment buildings, walk ups and older houses above the Harlem River.
- Joints cut out to the right depth
- Mortar matched to the old brick
- Written price after a free visit
What Wears Out Mortar on Morris Heights Buildings?
Pre war apartment buildings and walk ups here have stood for many decades. Rain, freeze and thaw, and water running down hillside walls break mortar down. Exposure near the river and long wind runs along the slope speed up the wear.
The neighborhood is full of older brick. Buildings along University Avenue, Sedgwick Avenue and Undercliff Avenue climb the hill, and their upper walls and parapets face wind that has little to block it.
- Mortar crumbling or sanding out
- Open joints on parapets and chimneys
- Hairline cracks following the joints
- White mineral crust on brick faces
- Bricks that shift under light pressure
- Water stains on interior walls
Many of these buildings have a light court or an airshaft where brick is hard to reach. Mortar there can fail for years before anyone sees it. We check these hidden walls from windows or the roof so nothing is missed.
On a hillside building, the downhill wall often shows the problem first. Water collects there, and soil pressure is higher. Look at that side early.
Gaps in the Mortar on Your Building?
Send a photo or call. We will see how deep the damage runs.
How We Fix It
How Does Repointing Work on a Hillside Building?
The crew grinds or chisels out loose mortar to a set depth, cleans the joints and packs in new mortar in thin layers. Each joint is tooled to the shape of the original. Loose or broken bricks are reset or replaced first, then the wall is cleaned.
Access is the first question on a slope. Scaffolding on a grade has to stand on firm, level supports. We plan the setup so the crew works safely and the sidewalk below stays as clear as possible.
Parapets are the most exposed wall on any pre war building. They stand free, with weather on both sides, and their mortar goes first. Rebuilding loose parapet bricks and resetting the cap stops a lot of leaks below.
We choose a mortar that suits your wall. A mix harder than old brick can crack the brick faces, so we test and match.
While we are on the wall, we check lintels, sills and flashing for related water paths. These are common sources of the damage we are fixing.
What Rules Apply to Repointing in Morris Heights?
A low wall can usually be repointed with few approvals. Scaffolding and sidewalk sheds may involve the city, and Local Law 11 FISP applies to buildings above six stories. We can confirm no historic district in Morris Heights, so landmark review is unlikely. Please check current rules with the city.
Many buildings here are tall enough that the facade program may apply. A qualified professional files the required reports, and repairs follow the findings. The city can tell you where your property stands.
If a wall bulges, leans or shows large stair step cracks, the cause may be structural. That goes beyond repointing, and we advise bringing in a licensed engineer.
Scaffolding over the public sidewalk generally needs permits. We tell you what to expect at the estimate stage.
Why Us
Why Morris Heights Owners Choose Us for Pointing
A mortar match you can see
We test mixes against your old mortar before we start.
Written scope
Wall area, joint depth and extra repairs are listed up front.
25+ years in NYC
Older brick buildings are work we know well.
Nearby
Brick Pointing Near Morris Heights
We also repoint brick in the areas that border Morris Heights.
FAQ
Morris Heights Brick Pointing Questions
Water collects there and soil pushes harder on it. Joints on that side take more punishment.
Yes, with scaffolding or lifts and any permits needed. We plan access with the owner and the manager.
Press a key into a joint. If it sinks in easily, or the mortar falls out as powder, the joint needs work.
They overlap. Tuckpointing adds a thin contrasting line for look. Most walls here need plain repointing to match the original.
We do. Call (718) 468-8803 to schedule a free visit.
Free on site estimate
Protect Your Morris Heights Brick From the Weather
A close look, a firm price and joints filled tight.
Contact
Request Your Morris Heights Pointing Estimate
Tell us which walls or parapets need work. Close up photos of the mortar 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.