If you live in a historic district and have a brick home, chances are your home was built at least a century ago. These homes are very durable and can last the test of time due to the strength of the brickwork. But while beautiful, even the best made brick homes can fall victim to disrepair over time.
If you have noticed crumbling bricks or missing mortar, it may be time for a brick restoration to recapture the beauty and elegance of your home. It’s important to preserve the history and character of brick homes, which is why you need a professional on your side to perform the restoration. Partnering with a brick repair company you can trust is job #1.
Here’s a look at the restoration process.
Assess the Damage
Assessment of the damage involves an inspection of the home’s exterior, including the mortar, brickwork, and other masonry elements such as chimneys, arches or columns. Your MI masonry contractor will look for cracking, spalling, and other forms of damage that could alter the home’s structural integrity.
Once the areas of damage have been properly identified, they will come up with a plan for repair and restoration that includes the scope of the work, materials, and timeline.
Repair the Brickwork
Next, it’s time to repair the brickwork itself. The technique used will depend on the kind of damage and how extensive it is. If there are cracks or holes in the brickwork, for instance, it may be necessary to remove and replace individual bricks. However, when more extensive damage is evident, the entire brick façade may have to be replaced.
One technique is called tuckpointing, which involves removal of the deteriorated mortar and replacement with fresh mortar for a perfect color and texture match. Not only does tuckpointing improve the brickwork’s structural integrity, it gives the home a visible makeover.
Preserve the Character
Because historic homes boast unique architectural features that showcase the era in which they were built, it’s of paramount importance to preserve their character. Your masonry contractor in Royal Oak will ensure the brickwork remains true according to its original design. In the case of decorative brickwork, for instance, damaged bricks will be removed and replaced with new ones that complement the original design using traditional masonry techniques.
Professional Attention to Detail
Restoration of a historic brick home is not a DIY job. Only a professional skilled in brick repair and masonry should tackle such a delicate and extensive job. They bring a depth of understanding to historic preservation techniques that can’t be learned from watching a YouTube video.
Working with a professional brick repair company such as Dennis Robert Masonry is a priority for homeowners in Michigan. That’s because we know the unique requirements and challenges of historic restoration and bring all the right tools and expertise to do the job right. On top of experience, we also only use the highest quality materials available, locally sourcing our bricks and mortar from area suppliers.
Request a Free Quote From Dennis Robert Masonry
In the end,restoring a historic brick home is both an art and a science. A love of brickwork is what drives our attention to detail. To get a free quote on our historic brick repair services in Royal Oak MI, contact us today at (248) 794-0066 or fill out our online form.
