Midtown Repointing
Brick Pointing in Midtown, Manhattan
Where Midtown buildings have brick in their walls, failed mortar lets water in. We cut out old joints and refill them so the facade keeps its shape and keeps rain out.
- Old mortar removed without damaging the brick
- Mix and joint style matched to the wall
- Free visit and written estimate
Is There Much Brick in a District of Glass and Stone Towers?
Less than elsewhere, but enough to matter. Many Midtown towers are clad in stone, metal or glass, yet older mid rise buildings, side street walk ups and rear and side walls still rely on brick. Where brick exists here, repointing is a regular need.
The district is largely offices, hotels and stores, with some residential towers near 57th Street. On side streets, a few older walk ups remain, and their brick fronts take everything the weather sends.
Tall buildings expose their upper walls to wind and rain with no tree cover. Mortar at that height dries out faster and loses its bond. The joints crack, sand washes out and water finds a path behind the brick.
Midtown also has stone facades with mortar joints. Repointing applies to them as well, using materials suited to the stone.
When Does a Midtown Wall Need Repointing?
Look for crumbling or recessed joints, gaps wide enough to fit a fingernail, stains below joints and loose brick. A facade inspection report may also list repointing. The table shows what each sign tells you and what we usually do about it.
| Sign on the wall | What it means | Usual response |
|---|---|---|
| Sandy joints that rub off | Mortar has lost its bond | Cut out and repoint |
| Recessed joints with open gaps | Water can reach the wall interior | Repoint the affected area |
| Stains running down from joints | Water is already passing through | Repoint and check behind the face |
| Loose or cracked bricks | Movement or freeze damage | Reset or replace, then point |
| Mismatched patches | Earlier repair used a poor mix | Remove and redo to match |
We start with a sample area so you can see the color and joint before the full wall is done.
How Do Local Law 11 and Permits Affect Repointing in Midtown?
Buildings taller than six stories fall under Local Law 11, which requires periodic facade inspections by a qualified professional. Their reports often list repointing as a repair. Facade work can involve the Department of Buildings, and scaffolds or sheds over the sidewalk need their own approvals.
We repair what your report lists and work with your engineer or architect. We do not write the inspection report ourselves, and we make no promises about how the city will rate your building.
Midtown has no historic district that we can confirm, but many buildings are individual landmarks. If yours is one, the Landmarks Preservation Commission may need to approve changes to mortar color or joint style. Check with the city for your property.
Scaffolding sits on the public sidewalk, and the paving beneath can be damaged. Owners must keep the sidewalk in repair, so see sidewalk violations for the process.
Why does mortar hardness matter?
A mortar harder than the brick forces the brick to take the stress, and the brick face then spalls. We choose a mix that gives way first, as the original did.
Facade Report Lists Repointing?
Send us the item list and we will price the work in writing.
Process
How We Carry Out Repointing
Survey
We inspect joints, brick faces and any cracks that suggest movement.
Sample
A test patch confirms color, texture and joint shape.
Access
Scaffold or lift is arranged, with permits if the sidewalk is affected.
Cut and fill
Old mortar comes out to a sound depth and new mortar is packed in lifts.
Finish
Joints are tooled and the wall is cleaned and reviewed with you.
Nearby
Brick Pointing Near Midtown
We also repoint brick in these adjoining neighborhoods.
FAQ
Midtown Pointing Questions
Yes, with the access equipment and permits the height requires. We include the setup in the estimate.
Yes. We use mortar suited to the stone and match joint width and tooling.
It addresses repair items on the report. We make no promise about how the inspector or the city will rate the building.
It depends on area and access, so we give a schedule after seeing the wall.
We do. Call (718) 468-8803 with the building address and floor count.
Contact
Request a Midtown Pointing Estimate
Share the address, the height of the wall and any facade report items.
- 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.