Your local chimney mason for repairs in Malibu Groves

Repair mortar no stronger than the original

To avoid irreparable brick damage, Technical Note 46 says the compressive strength of repointing mortar must be equal to or lower than that of the original mortar. Stronger mortar concentrates stress at the brick and mortar interface and can spall the brick face.

That is why we never reach for the hardest mix available. The mortar we propose is chosen for your existing brick and joints, and its type is written into your estimate. On many chimneys, that points to a softer mix than people expect, and we explain the reasoning in plain terms.

The mortar types named in ASTM C270

ASTM C270 sorts mortar for unit masonry into types, and Technical Note 8B summarizes them. Your estimate names the type we propose for your chimney and explains why it suits the brick and the existing joints.

• Type M, high compressive strength but not very workable
• Type S, all-purpose with higher compressive and flexural bond strength
• Type N, all-purpose with good bonding and workability
• Type O, low strength, used mostly inside and for restoration

Rust on steel supports in the masonry

Accumulated rust on steel lintels or shelf angles is one of the conditions brick industry guidance lists as possibly structural. Rusting steel expands and can crack the masonry around it.

Where a chimney has steel supporting masonry, such as over an opening or at a change in width, we check it for rust and cracking. When the steel itself is failing, we say so plainly and explain whether an engineer's evaluation should come before the masonry repair. Replacing or treating that steel is a separate decision from the masonry around it, and the estimate keeps the two apart.

A second opinion on a masonry proposal

If another contractor has quoted a large rebuild or a repair that seems out of proportion, we can inspect the same chimney and tell you whether we agree.

We explain what we saw, what supports the other proposal and what points a different way. Bring the other estimate if you have it. Comparing the repair areas and methods side by side often answers the question quickly. If we agree with the other proposal, we tell you that too. A second opinion is only useful if it is honest either way.