Stone pointing is important to the preservation of exterior stone walls for buildings and homes. Without proper maintenance, repairs can be very costly and likely involve more than just fixing the mortar. Mortar can last hundreds of years when done correctly but, once it starts to crack, it won’t be long before the wall will become damaged beyond normal repairs. Once signs of weakened mortar are found, a contractor who specializes in stone pointing in Wilmington, DE should be contacted as soon as possible. Here are a few common facts about stone pointing.
1. What is Stone Pointing?
Stone pointing is the process of removing old, loose mortar and replacing it with a newly mixed one. Stone pointing takes extreme attention to detail and should only be performed by a skilled contractor. The process involves the contractor inspecting the home or building and accessing how much mortar needs to be removed and replaced. Replacing weakened mortar is a laborious job and can take some time to complete, but the benefits are well worth it.
2. Is Stone Pointing Necessary?
To extend the exterior wall life of homes or buildings, stone pointing is essential. It helps keeps moisture from entering areas behind the walls. Moisture seeping through cracked mortar can lead to moisture behind the wall and mold growth. This moisture can also cause the stone to start crumbling.
3. When is Stone Pointing Needed?
Home and building owners can easily test the mortar themselves. The process involves taking a key, or something similar, and scraping it against the mortar. If this results in powder or pieces falling, it is time to call a skilled masonry contractor.
4. Is it Possible To Wait Too Long For Stone Pointing?
Putting off the repair of weakened mortar can result in much more expensive repairs. Weakened mortar can lead to loose stones that will eventually crumble and fall. Once a stone wall has reached this point, the wall must be rebuilt.
Stone pointing is a very skilled job that requires someone with the experience and expertise to get the job done right. To learn more about a leader in stone pointing in Wilmington, DE, please visit the website for more information.