Masonry Repair vs. Restoration

Masonry repair vs. restoration. If you’ve taken a closer look at an old building or even your own living space, there is a good chance that you have observed the work of masonry. Masonry is the method of constructing buildings with bricks and mortar. This is done by a cement mortar that welds bricks and stones together, creating the beautiful buildings you often see in older city neighborhoods.

However, as time goes on, construction continues to evolve, and the art of masonry has become a method of the past. However, that does not mean that it is no longer used. On the contrary, it can be even more essential as the passage of time takes a toll on old city buildings. 

Although masonry is known to be very durable, it is natural to find cracks, holes, or disrepair in older brickwork. If you have a chimney in your home, it may be time to consider having it repaired. 

But what is the difference between masonry repair and restoration? How do you know if you need to hire a masonry service? Here are a few things to think about if your building, chimney, or historical landmark is in need of improvement. 

Masonry Repair

Masonry repairs refers to the process of patching cracks in the mortar. This can also mean plugging gaps that have appeared over time. Some other forms of repair include replacement of old mortar that may be starting to crumble. Masonry repair also applies to patching and fixing old stone. This can mean repairing impaired stones or completely replacing the stone with new ones. 

You may be in need of masonry repair if you have experienced these issues in your home: 

• Cracked or chipped bricks
• Crumbling mortar
• Brick Discoloration

Masonry Restoration

Masonry restoration focuses on the building as a whole, making it a much larger project. Sometimes, especially in particularly old buildings, there is simply no way that repairs can be made without fixing the entire problem. 

This is necessary to improve the building’s design and to avoid it from collapsing. This is particularly important when restoring historical buildings that have been an integral part of the community for years. 

The process of masonry restoration begins with removing the old brick and mortar and replacing it with completely new materials. It is natural to see mortar disintegrating over time, especially when it has to do with extremely old buildings. It is for this reason that restoration is important for buildings of important historical value. 

What’s the Difference?

Simply put, if you have been comfortably living in a brick household for a long time, you probably only need to have your masonry repaired. Restoration only needs to happen if the entire structure is unsound, which rarely applies to dwellings where people are presently residing. Restorations need to happen if the building has been abandoned for some time or if it is planning to be used for historical significance. 

Restorations are much larger projects, take more time, and proceed with the purpose of restoring the building back to its original appearance. Repairments make small adjustments to the mortar to prevent any further damage, take significantly less time, and are very common. 

A diligent property owner will make annual repairs to the brick if they know the building was made out of masonry. It is very rare for someone to own a building long enough for it to need restoration, and repairs are usually made regularly to prevent that from happening. 

When to Seek Out Professional Help

If you are noticing chips, holes, or cracks in your building’s brick, it is time to get repairs done. This also applies to chimneys or sidewalks on your property. If these are done on a regular basis, there will be no need for an entire restoration project.

If there is a historically significant building in your community or you are thinking of investing in an older building, restoration will be required. Left unattended, decaying brick and mortar could make the building structurally unsafe. It is important to restore the building immediately if it is being planned for further use.  

Why Should You Choose Brick + Ember Outfitters for Masonry Services?

Brick + Ember Outfitters of Indianapolis are here to help you with your brick and mortar needs. Whether it be regular masonry repairments for your chimney or fixing old stone on your house, Brick + Ember Outfitters is here to help. 

Our professional team of experienced masonry professionals can assist you with chimney installation, masonry repair, or even restoration. Any questions you may have are greatly encouraged, and we are available through the entire process to make sure that everything is to your satisfaction. 

Repairing damaged or aging masonry can be stressful to handle on your own, but it doesn’t have to be. By choosing B+E, you are one step closer to a home that looks and feels like new. To learn more about our masonry services or to schedule an appointment, contact B+E today.