There are many types of masonry restoration and there is
typically not one solution that fits all when it comes to restoration on
buildings. All structures are completely different from the material that was
originally used, age of building and elements they are exposed to daily.
Moisture, pollution and exposure to the elements can compromise the appearance
of a building and its structural stability. Quality restoration services will
renew the appearance of brick and stone surfaces and protect them from further
deterioration. Common masonry restoration contractor services may include the
following:
Masonry& Abrasive Cleaning Techniques
Masonry cleaning is often needed for the removal of dirt,
graffiti, and paint from surfaces. The most common methods used cleaning
techniques for masonry structures include high and low pressure washing and
chemical cleaning. Special attention is needed to avoid extreme cleaning and
possibly damaging masonry surfaces. Heavily dirty masonry surfaces may require
a more aggressive technique called abrasive cleaning. Abrasive cleaning usually
involves direct high-pressure blasting of sand or other rough, abrasive
composition to the masonry surface. When the abrasive cleaning is finished, the
masonry surface is carefully rinsed with water to remove any remaining dirt or
cleaning materials.
Waterproofing Masonry -Caulking, Grouting& Tuck Pointing
Most masonry and structural damage is caused by water and
moisture infiltration. Over time, every joint, seam,crack exposed is
susceptible to being penetrated by water. To combat this, waterproofing
compounds are commonly applied to the masonry surfaces. Common applications
include caulking grouting and tuck pointing. Caulking is used to seal gaps
between masonry surfaces, such as brick or stone, and other architectural
elements. Grouting is used to seal the areas between masonry installations such
as tile or terra cotta. As grout is generally porous, it must be sealed once it
is completely dry to protect it from dirt infiltration. Tuck pointing is the
process of removing old, loose mortar from brickwork or stone installations and
replacing it with new mortar. New mortar is crucial in keeping out destructive
water and moisture and ensuring the buildings structural integrity.
Selecting the Right Masonry Restoration Contractor
Finding the right a masonry restoration contractor who has the
proper expertise and experience to handle all of your masonry and restoration
needs is the key. This includes a safety program and OSHA and MSHA compliances.
A masonry restoration contractor should provide you with a comprehensive
evaluation, including suggested restoration or repair specifications and an
approximate budget.