Repairing brickwork that’s damaged, cracked or crumbling will allow a chimney to maintain waterproof and counter flashing performed by a roofing company to work. The mortar joints are incredibly important, as they help support the entire structure. When mortar joints become impacted by damage it is very easy for water and other elements to seep in. Eventually, these exposures lead to the destruction of any masonry structure. In order to prevent further damage, repointing is conducted to reseal mortar joints.
You start by using a mechanical angle grinder to remove the damaged mortar between joints and remove remaining damaged materials. This process must be carefully conducted, to maintain alignment of nearby bricks. Once all of the damaged portions are removed, the joints must be cleaned out and swept free of debris so that the newly mixed mortar can be applied. This new mortar fills in the joints where the damaged mortar has been removed, granting brand new durability and aesthetic appeal to your brick structure (or likely chimney for most homeowners).
When properly done, repointing restores the visual and physical integrity of the masonry. Improperly done, repointing not only detracts from the appearance of the building, but may, in fact, cause physical damage to the masonry units themselves. A good repointing job is meant to last, often in the range of 50-100 years.
