Your local chimney mason for repairs in New Malibu

Prehydrating repointing mortar

Prehydration is the brick industry's recommendation for repointing mortar, because it cuts down on shrinkage. The dry ingredients are mixed with just enough water to hold a shape when squeezed, left to stand for about an hour to an hour and a half, then brought to a workable, drier-than-usual consistency.

It is a small step that makes a real difference to how the finished joint holds. We follow it on repointing work rather than mixing and placing straight from the bag.

When we recommend a structural engineer

Structural issues generally warrant, in the words of Technical Note 46, an investigation by a professional engineer to determine the cause and the right repair. Some of those issues can look like ordinary maintenance at first glance.

When a chimney shows signs of movement, we tell you before quoting a masonry repair. Paying for an evaluation first can save paying for a repair that does not address the cause. Once the cause is known, we can carry out the masonry work the evaluation calls for. We can share our notes with the engineer, so the evaluation starts from what we already found.

What a masonry estimate should list

Our written masonry estimates list the parts of the job that decide price and result, so you can compare them fairly with any other proposal.

• The repair area, marked from sound to sound masonry
• The mortar type and how it matches the existing joints
• Replacement brick, if any, and the expected match
• Removal of old patches, sealant and loose material
• Access, roof protection and cleanup
• Separate lines for crown, flashing or other work

Why we avoid high-pressure washing

High-pressure water can erode soft brick faces and drive water deep into open joints. On a chimney that already has damaged masonry, it can make the problem worse.

When cleaning is part of the job, we look at the brick and joints first and choose the gentlest method that works, often low-pressure water and a brush. If a cleaning product is needed, it is one made for brickwork and used to its instructions. Water forced into open joints can also end up inside the house, which is a poor way to start a masonry repair.