Masonry Restoration

Masonry Restoration and Its Components

Natural materials have been used in construction for centuries.  They are beautiful, generally durable, and contain the history of the area in which the materials were made, mined or quarried.  The same can be said for masonry.  From the wonders of ancient Egypt to the glamour of Los Angeles, masonry is a material that has been enjoyed by generations. And with good reason – it is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

There usually are two parts to every masonry project: the masonry itself and the mortar.  Clay bricks and concrete bricks are two examples of masonry units.  Once they are made, they are laid on mortar that is commonly mixed on the construction site.  Mortar is a material that binds the material together and gives the masonry its strength.

Masonry, like all natural materials, expands and contracts with heat, cold, and other conditions, so expansion points are included in construction.  Without these points, the wall could shift, and the materials crack and spall.  Should the mortar or masonry need to be replaced, it is wise to call in a professional to handle it.  The solution for such damage may be repointing the mortar or replacement of the expansion joints, which take a steady hand and an expert eye.