Masonry Contractors in Pennsylvania and Trenton, NJ

When it comes to masonry repair in Pennsylvania and New Jersey (including Norristown, Doylestown, Lancaster, Havertown in PA, and Trenton, NJ), using the proper techniques for the restoration can mean the difference between preserving or damaging the structure.  BQ Basement Systems of Pennsylvania and New Jersey understands that it's extremely important to do it correctly, and they have the skills, experience, and understanding of the business to do it correctly.  Call or contact them online for a free masonry restoration estimate in PA or NJ!

When do you need Masonry Repair in PA & NJ?

There are many ways to tell if your structure is in need of masonry repair, brick pointing, or stone pointing.  Signs of deterioration can include moisture buildup, broken mortar joints, and cracked stone or brick within the structure.  It's also important to check for efflorescence- a white, powdery substance- on your brick walls.  This salty mineral deposit indicates that moisture is continually passing through the structure, a condition that should be addressed before it further damages the masonry.

Moisture located within masonry structures in Pennsylvania and New Jersey area can cause a great deal of damage.  As the moisture expands, contracts, and disappears with varying temperatures and humidities, it can keep the mortar and brick continually expanding and contracting.  Over time, these fluctuations will worsen cracks, crumble masonry, and weaken the bonds between the brick and mortar.

However, care should be taken care when deciding what kinds of repairs are needed with your masonry or stone structure.  In some situations, cracked stone or brick and damaged mortar are symptoms of much more severe structural problems, such as a shifting foundation or leaking roof.  Click here for a free estimate for a masonry repair contractor!

Stonework and Brick Wall Cleaning

Soiling of brick walls and stonework in Pennsylvania and New Jersey can come from many different sources, including dirt, plants, biological stains, industrial pollutants, and efflorescence.  This depends on a variety of factors, including where the building is located, how close it is to busy roadways, and the layout of nearby architectural elements.

In the case of minor soiling of the brick and stone masonry, contractors in Pennsylvania and New Jersey will sometimes recommend that cleaning is not necessary.  However, masonry cleaning will improve aesthetics, and in some cases will even reveal hidden defects in the structure.

Masonry cleaning methods should be gentle and effective.  When repairing historic masonry structures, mechanical methods can be too abrasive, causing many masonry contractors in Pottstown, Warminster, and Hamilton Square to opt for cleaning with high pressure cold or heated water.  However, urban pollution may require a chemical treatment or the employment of new technologies.

Philadelphia and Trenton, New Jersey Masonry Repair Contractors

Repairing and replacing damaged masonry in PA and NJ can be a complicated process. Stone and brick must be carefully matched in order to keep a uniform look and feel to the structure.  Older buildings created in the late 19th century and early 20th century were often created with bricks that are smaller than today's standard size or come in colors no longer available, requiring custom brickwork to be completed.  In other cases, smaller bricks can be made by cutting standard bricks down to size.

Masonry must also be matched to the original design.  Once the old mortar has been raked out and removed, the new mortar needs to be matched as closely as possible in color and texture.  Your masonry contractor can experiment with pigments to help match colors and use special techniques to help replicate rough textures often found on original mortar.  The mortar's hardness should also be matched to help prevent damage to the stone or brick.

BQ Basement Systems would like to provide you with a free inspection and written quote from one of our experienced masonry repair contractors.  They can provide you with expert advice on what needs to be done for your repair and what the cost will be.  If you'd like a free estimate from a masonry repair contactor, call or e-mail us today!