Our Process
Spalling brick repair on Heathrow homes
Tooling the joints to match the original
The shape of a mortar joint affects both appearance and how water runs off the wall. The same brick industry guidance advises tooling the new joints when the mortar is thumbprint hard, so they match the original profile.
We look at the existing joints first, whether they are concave, flush or another shape, and tool the new ones to the same profile. A mismatched joint catches the eye long before a slightly different brick does. Our specialists match the tool to the joint width as well as the shape, so the new lines sit at the same depth as the old ones.
Working in heat and strong sun
Mortar cures properly only if it does not dry out too fast. According to the National Park Service, keeping wall temperatures between 40 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit prevents freezing or excessive evaporation, and masonry work is best done in shade, out of strong sunlight, especially in hot weather.
For brick work on a chimney in Heathrow, we plan around the hottest part of the day where we can and protect fresh joints from direct sun and rain while they set. If conditions are wrong, we reschedule instead of rushing the mortar.
Why we do not skim over spalled faces
It can be tempting to smear mortar, filler or caulk over a spalled brick to make it look whole. The patch covers the damaged unit without replacing it, traps moisture against the weak brick behind it and tends to loosen over time, taking more of the face with it.
We replace the brick instead. On a chimney in Heathrow that has old face patches, our specialists remove them during the free inspection where they are loose, so you can see the condition underneath before approving the work.
Bricks loosened by a storm
Between June 1 and November 30, the Atlantic hurricane season is under way. Strong wind and falling branches can knock loose bricks from the top of a chimney, especially where the faces were already spalled and the joints were soft. A cracked crown after a storm can also let more water into the top courses.
After a storm, look at the chimney from the yard for missing corners or debris on the roof. If you see damage, call (645) 465-4122. Our 24/7 emergency line takes calls about storm-damaged chimneys, and our crew secures loose brick on your Heathrow home before planning the permanent repair.
