Brick Pointing in Lincoln Square, Manhattan

Which Lincoln Square Buildings Need Brick Pointing?

Brick pointing matters most on the pre war apartment buildings and the row houses on the side streets. The big post war towers and newer glass high rises are built differently, so their facade work leans toward other methods. Older brick here has had many winters to open its joints.

West End Avenue, Amsterdam Avenue, Columbus Avenue and the cross streets such as West 65th Street all carry older brick walls. On these buildings, the mortar is the part that gives way first. The brick itself is often fine.

The apartment buildings along West End Avenue and Amsterdam Avenue were built when lime based mortar was standard. That mortar is softer than modern cement, and a patch of the wrong mix can do more harm than good. You can spot the problem from the sidewalk. Look for mortar that has gone sandy, joints that have receded back from the brick face, hairline cracks that follow the joints, and water stains beneath a window.

How Does Local Law 11 Affect Brick Work Here?

Under Local Law 11, the city requires facade inspections on buildings taller than six stories. Many Lincoln Square buildings qualify. If an inspection finds unsafe conditions, the owner must repair them, and mortar work is often part of that repair. Confirm current rules with the city.

Pointing does not replace an inspection by the qualified professional the program requires. It is one of the repair methods an inspector may call for. We work from the inspector's report when there is one, and we quote against the scope it lists.

No historic district is confirmed here. If your building has an individual landmark designation, check with the city before changing the look of the brick or mortar.

Do side street houses follow the same rules?

Not that program. A house under the six story line is not covered by Local Law 11, but the same water damage applies. Pointing a small facade is a quicker job with simple scaffolding.