SoHo Brick Pointing
Brick Pointing in SoHo, Manhattan
Failing mortar repaired on the tenements of the western blocks and on brick sections of loft facades, with materials matched for landmark review.
- Mortar matched to original brick
- Landmark review planned from the start
- Free site visit and written scope
Where Does Mortar Fail on SoHo Buildings?
Mortar fails where water reaches it most. On the tenements of the western blocks, that means parapets, window sills and the lowest courses near the sidewalk. On loft buildings, brick side walls and rear elevations take the weather. Cast iron fronts are a different material and a different repair.
SoHo is known for cast iron buildings, but it also has tenements on the western blocks and brick walls on the sides and backs of many lofts. Those brick surfaces face the same rain and freeze cycles as brick anywhere in the city.
- Joints worn back behind the face of the brick
- Sandy, powdery mortar
- Open joints along parapet walls
- Cracks around window openings
- White salt deposits on brick faces
The rear and side walls of lofts are easy to overlook because customers never see them. They are often the worst, since they have gone decades without attention while the front was kept up. A walk around the whole building, not only the street face, gives an honest picture.
Weekend crowds and delivery traffic do not harm brick directly, but street splash and de-icing salt raise the moisture in the lowest courses, where mortar suffers most.
Sand Falling From a Brick Joint?
That is the mortar going. Send a photo and we will judge how deep the damage is.
How We Fix It
How Do You Repoint Old Brick Without Harming It?
We cut out the failed mortar to a sound depth, clean the joint, and refill in layers with a mix chosen to match the original. Old brick is softer than modern brick, so the mortar must be softer too. A mortar that is too hard will crack the brick edges.
The depth of the cut matters. A shallow skim peels off in a season. We chisel back until the joint is firm and then pack it in stages so each layer bonds.
Joint profile and color are matched so the repair does not stand out. We test a small area first, because fresh mortar looks lighter until it cures.
Weather sets the schedule. Mortar needs mild, dry days to cure well, so we avoid hard freezes and heavy rain, and we cover fresh work if a shower is forecast. On a street where shop owners want to see the scaffold gone quickly, that planning is worth the effort.
Loose or broken bricks are reset or replaced with a close match before pointing starts.
Does Pointing in the SoHo Historic Districts Need Approval?
It may. SoHo includes the SoHo Cast Iron Historic District and its extension and the Sullivan Thompson Historic District on the western blocks. Work that alters the visible appearance of a protected facade can require Landmarks Preservation Commission review. Confirm current rules with the city.
Matching mortar color, joint style and brick is the heart of a repair that reviewers accept. We document existing conditions with photos and prepare a clear description of the materials we plan to use.
Local Law 11 applies to buildings taller than six stories and requires periodic facade inspections. If a report flags failing mortar on your building, pointing is a common repair. We carry out the masonry and an engineer handles the report.
Scaffolds and sidewalk sheds can need permits. Where they cover a walk, we plan protection for pedestrians and keep shop entrances reachable. Our sidewalk violation page explains what to do if the walk below is cited.
How soon should I act?
Soon. Open joints let water into the wall, and the damage costs more the longer it continues.
Why Us
Why SoHo Owners Choose Us for Pointing
Mortar that fits old brick
We match strength, color and joint profile to the original wall.
Landmark ready
Photos and material notes prepared for review where needed.
Licensed and insured
Work over a busy walk is covered and protected.
Nearby
Brick Pointing Around SoHo
Brick walls on the streets around SoHo get the same mortar work.
FAQ
SoHo Pointing Questions
Cast iron needs specialist care. We handle the brick and masonry parts and can advise on where other trades are needed.
Old brick is soft. Hard mortar makes the brick edges crack and spall.
We test a sample and adjust. It lightens at first and darkens as it cures.
Access is part of the estimate, and we list it separately so you can see the cost.
Call (718) 468-8803 to schedule a site visit.
Free on site estimate
Protect Your SoHo Brick From Water
A site visit, a written scope and mortar chosen to suit the wall.
Contact
Book Your SoHo Pointing Visit
Give us the address and describe the brick. Photos of the joints 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.