Boerum Hill Repointing
Brick Pointing in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
Failing mortar replaced on the facades, parapets, chimneys and stoop walls of 19th century row houses between Atlantic Avenue and Wyckoff Street.
- Facades, parapets and chimneys
- Mortar matched to old brick
- Free look and written price
Why Does Mortar Fail on Boerum Hill Row Houses?
The brick houses here are more than a century old, and the mortar in their joints has been through decades of rain, freezing and thawing. Once joints open, water gets behind the brick and does more damage, especially at parapets, cornices and around chimneys where the exposure is worst.
Many facades along Bergen, Dean, Wyckoff and Hoyt Streets have been repointed at least once. Old repairs are often the weak spot, especially when a hard modern cement mortar was used against soft old brick.
That hard mortar cracks the face off the brick instead of the joint, and it makes the wall worse over time.
What Does Repointing a Row House Involve?
We cut out the failed mortar to a consistent depth, clean the joints, then pack in new mortar in layers. The mortar is chosen to be softer than the brick so the wall can move slightly and dry out, and joints are tooled to match the existing profile.
| Area of the building | Common problem | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Front facade | Open joints, stains below sills | Repoint the affected areas or full elevation |
| Parapet and cornice line | Loose brick, water entry | Reset brick, repoint and check coping |
| Chimney | Eroded mortar and cracks | Repoint, or rebuild the top if it is failing |
| Stoop and areaway walls | Loose mortar at street level | Repoint and reset loose masonry |
Height is what drives the plan. Parapets and upper facades need a lift or scaffold, and we build that into the written price.
Do Brick Pointing Jobs in the Boerum Hill Historic District Need Approvals?
Facade work in a historic district can need Landmarks Preservation Commission review, particularly if it changes appearance. Repointing in a matching mortar is often treated as routine maintenance, but the rule depends on the work. Scaffold on the sidewalk can also need a city permit. Confirm before starting.
Taller apartment buildings near 4th Avenue and Atlantic Avenue may fall under Local Law 11, the facade inspection program, if they exceed six stories. That requires inspections every five years, and repointing often follows from the findings.
Mortar Missing From Your Facade?
Send a photo of the joints and the address, and we will explain what repointing would involve.
Process
How Long Does Repointing Take on a Boerum Hill Facade?
A small area or chimney can be finished in a few days. A full row house facade takes longer, since each joint is cut and filled by hand. Weather matters, because mortar needs mild, dry conditions to cure. The written estimate includes the expected schedule.
Facade survey
We look at joints, brick faces and any earlier repair mortar.
Written price
A scope by elevation, with scaffold or lift access included.
Approvals
We tell you what Landmarks, DOB or permit steps apply.
Cutting and pointing
Old mortar out, new mortar packed in and tooled.
Cleanup and check
Debris removed and a final walk with you.
Why Is Matching the Original Brick Joints Important in a Landmark District?
Original joint width, tooling and mortar color define the look of a 19th century facade. In the Boerum Hill Historic District, repointing that changes those details can look wrong from the street and may draw questions from the city.
Older bricks are softer than modern ones, so a hard cement mortar can crack their faces as the wall moves. We use a mix that is compatible with the brick and cut out joints by hand where machine cutting could damage the edges.
Confirm current landmark rules with the city before work begins. We can describe the planned repointing in writing and note the mortar, joint style and areas covered.
Nearby
Brick Pointing Near Boerum Hill
We repoint brick across the row house neighborhoods around Boerum Hill.
FAQ
Boerum Hill Repointing Questions
It is harder than the brick, so when the wall moves, the brick face cracks instead of the joint. A softer mortar protects the brick.
Yes. Parapets are among the most exposed parts of a row house and are often done on their own.
Look for sandy or recessed joints, brick faces flaking off, and stains under windowsills or cornices.
Scaffold on the sidewalk generally needs a city permit and protection for pedestrians. We plan that and include it in the price.
Only buildings taller than six stories fall under Local Law 11. Row houses generally do not, but confirm with the city.
Yes. Call (718) 468-8803 for a free on site estimate.
Contact
Request a Boerum Hill Repointing Quote
Tell us which walls need work and include a photo of the mortar if you have one.
- 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.