Alphabet City Brick Pointing
Brick Pointing in Alphabet City, Manhattan
Failed mortar cut out and replaced on old tenement facades, parapets and stoops so water stays out of the wall.
- Mortar matched to the old brick
- Parapets and street facades covered
- Written price after a free visit
Local Conditions
Why Does Mortar Fail on Alphabet City Buildings?
Most buildings here are old walk up tenements with brick fronts that have stood through many winters. Mortar is the softest part of the wall, so it wears first. Once joints open, rain gets into the brick, freezes and pushes the face off.
The five and six story tenements along Avenues A, B and C have flat roofs with parapets. A parapet is exposed on both sides, which makes it the most weathered part of a building. Loose brick at that height is also the most dangerous.
Ground floor shop fronts add another problem. Repairs from past sign installs or storefront changes leave patches that do not match the old mortar. Those patches crack and let water in behind the sign.
Past work often used hard cement mortar on soft old brick. It looks strong, but it can trap moisture and make the brick crumble. We match the mortar to the brick so the wall can breathe.
What Does Repointing Involve?
The crew grinds or chisels out failed mortar to a set depth, cleans the joints and packs in new mortar in layers. Each joint is shaped to follow the profile of the old work. Loose or cracked bricks are replaced before pointing so the wall is sound when the work ends.
On a tall front, work is done from a scaffold or a swing stage. Street work in Manhattan can need sidewalk shed or scaffold permits, and we plan for them. Buildings taller than six stories fall under the Local Law 11 facade inspection program, and the city can tell you what yours needs. Confirm current rules with the city.
Does a landmark district apply?
Facing Tompkins Square Park is the East 10th Street Historic District, and buildings inside it may need Landmarks Preservation Commission approval for exterior masonry work. Check with the city before ordering materials.
- Open or sandy mortar joints
- Loose or spalled brick faces
- Crumbling parapet caps
- Cracks that follow the mortar lines
- Water stains below windows and cornices
Cost Factors
What Affects the Cost of Brick Pointing Here?
Wall area
A six story front costs more than a stoop wall. We measure the area that needs work, not the whole building.
Height and access
Tall walls need scaffold or a swing stage. Access often takes more labor than the pointing itself.
Condition of the brick
Cracked or spalled brick must be replaced before pointing, which adds to the scope.
Mortar matching
Old brick needs softer mortar. Getting the color and mix right takes test samples.
Your written estimate lists the wall areas, the access method and the brick repairs.
Request Your QuoteThe Process
How Does a Repointing Job Run?
Facade survey
We look at the joints and the brick from the ground and, when needed, from above.
Written estimate
You get the scope, access plan and price. Allow two to three business days when permits are needed.
Setup
Scaffold or a swing stage is set up and the area below is protected.
Cut and clean
Old mortar is removed and joints are cleaned.
Point and finish
Fresh mortar goes in layer by layer and is shaped to match the joints around it.
Nearby
Brick Pointing Near Alphabet City
Nearby neighborhoods where we repoint brick.
FAQ
Alphabet City Brick Pointing Questions
Look for open or sandy joints, loose brick and water stains inside near the outer wall. We can also check from a ladder or scaffold.
Yes. We test samples against the brick so the color and hardness fit the wall.
Yes. Parapets are among the most exposed parts of a building, and loose brick there is a risk to people below.
They can overlap. Buildings taller than six stories fall under the city facade inspection program, and pointing may be part of the repair. Ask the city what applies to you.
We do. Call (718) 468-8803 to set up a facade visit. A written price follows at no cost.
Contact
Schedule Your Alphabet City Brick Visit
Tell us the address, the number of stories and what you see on the wall. 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.