East Harlem Brick Pointing
Brick Pointing in East Harlem, Manhattan
Crumbling mortar on tenements and brick row houses repaired so water stays out of the wall and the bricks stay in place.
- Failed mortar cut out and replaced
- Loose bricks reset
- Free written estimate after inspection
Local Conditions
Why Does Brick Need Pointing in East Harlem?
Brick in East Harlem is old, and the mortar between the bricks wears out first. Tenements and brick row houses have stood through generations of rain, freezing and city grime. Failed joints let water into the wall, and the damage then spreads to the brick itself.
Row house fronts take direct weather on the street side, while rear and side walls stay damp in shaded yards and alleys. Both patterns lead to sandy mortar, deep gaps and bricks that loosen.
Cornices and parapets at the roofline are exposed on every side. Water entering there runs down inside the wall and shows up as stains below windows.
Many of these buildings have been pointed before, sometimes with a hard cement mix that does not suit old brick. When we find that, the old patches may have to come out first, because hard mortar around soft brick causes the brick faces to flake.
Near the Harlem River, damp air and driving rain can add to the problem on exposed walls.
Does Pointing Need Permits in East Harlem?
Pointing from the ground on a small building is simple. Work that uses scaffolding or sheds, and any structural work, usually involves the Department of Buildings. Local Law 11 is the facade program for buildings above six stories. Our list shows no historic district here, though a landmarked building has its own rules. Confirm current rules with the city.
If your building must file under Local Law 11, a licensed professional inspects the facade and reports on it. Pointing, brick replacement and parapet repair are common items on those reports, and we carry out the masonry work.
Streets such as Lexington Avenue and Third Avenue carry steady foot traffic, so protection at the sidewalk is part of the plan. Where a shed is needed, it goes up with the proper approvals and comes down as soon as the job allows.
Sidewalk sheds protect people below. We coordinate the schedule so sheds come down promptly, and we can repair any sidewalk damage the work causes.
Mortar dust on the sidewalk below your wall? Book a look before a brick comes loose.
Book an Inspection Call NowCost Factors
What Affects the Cost of Brick Pointing?
Wall area, joint condition, height and access set the price. Higher walls need scaffolding, and deep joints take longer. We inspect, measure and write the scope into your estimate so you can see what each part costs.
Wall area
A larger face has more joints to open and refill.
Joint depth
Deep or missing mortar takes extra time and material.
Height and access
Upper floors need scaffolding or a stage.
Loose bricks
Bricks that have moved must be reset before pointing.
Every estimate is free and in writing after an inspection.
Get a Free EstimateTimeline
How Does a Pointing Job Proceed?
The crew sets up access, cuts out failed mortar, cleans the joints and packs in new mortar in layers. Duration depends on wall size and weather. We give you a schedule in writing before the first day.
Inspect
We mark joints and bricks that need work.
Estimate
A written scope lists areas, access and materials.
Access
Scaffolding or a stage goes up as needed.
Cut and fill
Old mortar is removed and new mortar is packed in.
Finish
Joints are finished to match the wall and the site is cleared.
Nearby
Brick Pointing Near East Harlem
We also point brick in the neighborhoods next to East Harlem.
FAQ
East Harlem Brick Pointing Questions
Look for sandy, recessed or missing mortar. White powder and stains below windows signal water in the wall.
We match color and joint style as closely as we can, and we choose a mix that suits the age of your brick.
Those are managed by the housing authority. We work for private owners and managers.
Yes. The same crew can repoint the facade and repair the stoop in one project.
Call (718) 468-8803 or use the form. The inspection and written price are free.
Contact
Request Your East Harlem Pointing Estimate
Give us the address, the number of floors and which wall is damaged. 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.