Masonry Restoration - Repointing

Re-pointing (also commonly, but incorrectly, referred to as “tuckpointing”) is part of our masonry restoration services and is the process of removing damaged mortar between bricks, blocks, or stone and replacing it with fresh mortar. Cracked, deteriorated, or missing mortar can lead to quick deterioration of your walls and structures and lead to moisture leaking into and potentially causing serious damage to your building. 

CMR offers expert masonry inspection and repointing services to restore any damaged or deteriorated masonry work. Contact us today to get started.

Masonry Restoration - Brick Repair and Replacement

As part of our masonry restoration services in Boston and Worcester, MA, CMR will inspect your masonry work and look for the following early signs signaling the need for brick repair or replacement:

  • Cracks in the mortar
  • Cracks in drywall or plaster in home’s interior
  • Doors or windows no longer closing properly
  • Holes in bricks or mortar
  • Mortar crumbling
  • Uneven floors
  • Water damage
Some of these issues can be repaired fairly easily without needing extensive brick repair or replacement. Doing so will save you both time and money in the long run.
 

When it comes to cosmetic damage, it may be possible to remove the brick, turn it around, and put it back in the wall or structure. If keeping the original brick is important, as is the case with historic buildings, this can keep the structure from needing new bricks that may harm its monetary or historic value. 

If the brick in your building is too worn or crumbling, then turning the brick around or repairing it may not be enough. In this case, we will likely need to completely replace the damaged brick before it causes further issues with the surrounding bricks. These further issues could include parts of the building or structure bowing or leaning. These are signs of structural instability. To keep the structure safe, the entire brick wall may need replacing. Before fixing this damage, though, it’s essential that we inspect the building and determine if there may be underlying issues at play. We can then recommend a plan to ensure the building’s safety and structural integrity.

Sill and Lintel Repair

Over time, lintels and sills wear out and reduce the structural integrity of the window area of buildings. Subsidence, a condition where the wood or concrete in the lintel and sill gradually caves in, is commonly seen in old buildings, like many in Boston and Worcester, MA.

If your comercial building shows signs of lintel or sill damage, call CMR. We specialize in lintel and sill repair, whether you manage or own an historic or modern building.

Concrete Walkway Repair

CMR has extensive experience in restoring your cracked, shifting, and settling concrete without having to replace the entire structure. Whether you need us to fix a trip hazard or restore an old sidewalk, CMR will work with you to determine the scope and budget of the intended repair project.

According to the National Safety Council, 32% of all nonfatal injuries in 2019 resulted from falls. Therefore it is more important than ever to keep concrete walkways in the best condition possible. Even the best-poured concrete can shift, settle, and crack over time, leading to trip hazards that can become a liability. This is especially true in colder climates, such as our native New England, where the ground freezes and expands, causing cracks and shifting.

Over the years, CMR has developed processes that allow us to repair these hazards without needing to tear everything up and re-pour. Take your first step today.

Stairs and Railing Repair

Concrete steps break up, especially in our northern climate. Water soaks into the concrete, freezes and breaks off the outside corners. Once that starts, the damage spreads along the front edge of the step, eventually turning the step into a ramp. That’s not only ugly but is also quite dangerous.

The best repair for severe corner and front edge breakage—short of completely replacing the steps—is to “recap” them. We break away the damaged areas, rebuild them with new concrete and then coat your entire steps to give them a uniform look.

Contact CMR today if your building is in need of step or railing repair.

Historical Repair and Color Matching

Many 18th and 19th century New England buildings include varying types of masonry in their structure. Repair and restoration of these buildings requires knowledge and skill of previous-era masonry practices to stabilize the sometimes sensitive structural elements, while maintaining the period aesthetic.

Repairs such as pointing, cleaning, brick and stone replacement and stone patching are an important part of maintaining historical buildings, but inappropriate mortar, cleaning, and sealants are a major cause of damage to historical masonry buildings.

CMR has the experience and knowledge to work with historical buildings, understanding the techniques used and matching historical looks and colors when performing exterior repairs.

Contact CMR today for an inspection and estimate of your historical masonry project needs.