Chelsea Brick Pointing
Brick Pointing in Chelsea, Manhattan
Failed mortar repaired on historic row houses, tenements, former warehouses and pre war buildings, with mortar matched to the old brick.
- Mortar matched to old brick
- Landmark rules explained
- Written price after a free visit
Local Conditions
Why Do Chelsea Buildings Need Repointing?
Chelsea is old, and brick mortar does not last forever. Row houses from the Italianate and Greek Revival eras, tenements and early warehouses have joints that have weathered for generations. Water enters failed joints, freezes and lifts the brick face, so repointing protects the wall.
Row houses on the side streets have brick fronts with stone trim, cornices and parapets. Joints wear first at the top of the wall and around window sills, where rain hits hardest.
West Chelsea's former warehouses have large brick walls and big window openings. Cracks often follow lintels and sills, and truck traffic rattles old walls on the avenues.
Chimneys and cornices deserve a close look. On Chelsea row houses they stand above the roofline, exposed to wind and rain from every side. A loose chimney brick can drop to the stoop below, so we check them whenever we survey a front wall.
Past repairs add trouble. Hard cement mortar was often used on soft historic brick. It does not bend with the wall, so it cracks and lets water in, and the brick behind it breaks down faster than the joint.
Do Landmark Rules Affect Repointing in Chelsea?
They can. The Chelsea Historic District, the West Chelsea Historic District and the Lamartine Place Historic District cover large parts of the neighborhood. Exterior masonry work may need Landmarks approval, and mortar color and joint style are part of what the city looks at. Confirm current rules with the city.
Look for these signs on your own building: joints you can scrape out with a key, a gap between brick and mortar you can slide a coin into, sand on the sidewalk below the wall, and damp spots on interior plaster along exterior walls. Any of them is a reason to book a survey.
We match mortar color, texture and hardness by testing samples against the brick. The finished joint follows the original profile. Describing the method in writing helps with an application.
Buildings taller than six stories fall under the Local Law 11 facade program, which covers some of Chelsea's large pre war buildings. Repointing may be part of repairs listed in an inspection report. A scaffold or sidewalk shed over the public walk may need DOT and Buildings permits, which we build into the schedule.
- Open or sandy joints on row house fronts
- Failed mortar at cornices and parapets
- Cracks that follow lintels and sills
- Cement patches that have cracked away
- Efflorescence, the white salt stain on brick
Cost Factors
What Affects the Price of Repointing in Chelsea?
Wall area
The price follows the area that needs work, which we measure at the visit.
Height and access
A four story row house needs less access than a tall building. Scaffold, lift or swing stage changes the plan.
Brick condition
Cracked or spalled brick must be replaced before pointing.
Mortar matching and review
Samples and landmark review add steps, which we write into the estimate.
The estimate is written and free, with the scope and access plan listed.
Request Your QuoteThe Process
How Does Repointing Work?
Survey
We inspect joints and brick from the ground and from above where needed.
Estimate
Scope, access and approvals are written down. Allow two to three business days where permits apply.
Sample
We test mortar against the brick for color and hardness.
Cut and clean
Failed mortar comes out and joints are cleaned.
Point
New mortar is placed in layers and shaped to the original profile.
Nearby
Brick Pointing Near Chelsea
We also repoint brick in the neighborhoods around Chelsea.
FAQ
Chelsea Brick Pointing Questions
In a historic district it may be needed for exterior masonry. The city can confirm for your address.
Yes. We test samples for color, texture and hardness.
Hard cement does not move with old brick, so it cracks away and lets water in.
Yes. Large walls need access planning, which we cover in the estimate.
We do. Call (718) 468-8803 to book a survey. The written price is free.
Contact
Schedule Your Chelsea Brick Visit
Give us the address and describe the joints. 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.