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June 15, 2008
Landmark brick pointing -- permit required
I need to repoint the edge of the brick sidewall of my brownstone where it meets the brownstone front of the building. A crack has opened along that seam. I'm in a landmark district. My contractor has submitted a proposal (for less than $1000.) and has not mentioned a permit. But according to my Landmarks Commission handbook, a permit is required for brick pointing. Should I apply for a permit or go ahead without one?
Comments
With regard to playing chicken with Landmarks, “You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?'"
Posted by: Steve at June 15, 2008 4:48 PM
Repointing is a very obvious process that sticks out like a sore thumb if done improperly. Make sure your contractor gets the permit to cover your own behind in case he does a really bad job. The permit for a landmarked district will have stipulations that he does the work in compliance with the district's guidelines. Without the permit, and a good contract on your end, you could be the one getting fined without recourse.
Posted by: guest at June 15, 2008 6:08 PM
If it needs a permit, landmarks will just flip it back to you for one.
Posted by: guest at June 15, 2008 6:25 PM
You don't need a Department of Buildings permit for a small amount of pointing, BUT you definitely need LPC approval. LPC can stop work on the building, or levee fines against you that stay part of the public record.
Posted by: guest at June 15, 2008 6:31 PM
There is a definite reason that LPC requires an approval before repointing, as repointing an historic building is definitely a specialist's job. Alongside the visual issue that 6:08 brings up, there is a critical difference between 19th century masonry and contemporary masonry. The mortars used in contemporary masonry are portland cement based, and much stronger, less porous, and less flexible than lime mortar.
If you hire a mason that is not familiar with 19th masonry technique or lime mortar, they might use portland cement mortar on the repointing. The portland cement mortar is stronger than the relatively soft older bricks, and expansion in the wall can result in cracking or spalling brick. The cement mortar is also less permeable than the brick so that moisture vapor is forced through the brick rather than the mortar, resulting in surface crystallization and accelerated damage to the brick.
Posted by: Smokychimp at June 16, 2008 12:07 PM
Hey Smokychimp that is some sound advice you just gave. Here is my question: who would you recommend to remove paint from a brick facade and re-point it well? Is it necessary to point the brick after removing the paint? My prospective place is on a Landmark block so I guess I will need permits but I didn't even know that lime mortar was still available.
Posted by: guest at June 16, 2008 3:53 PM
The paint could easily be stripped with something from Dumond Chemical Co. Their products tend to be reasonably priced, relatively environmentally friendly, and work well without damaging mortar. Something stronger like muriatic acid or high pressure washing might damage mortar. You'll have to inspect the wall once it's bare in order to really make the determination if it needs to be repointed. Lime mortar is always available, but it requires a skilled mason whom is familiar with formulating it.
Posted by: guest at June 16, 2008 6:55 PM
Hey thanks 6:55pm I will definitely check the Dumond Co products but I still need a good recommendation. What does everyone think of Malek ?
Posted by: guest at June 16, 2008 9:28 PM
Despite Smokeychimp's book knowledge, many a mason are aware of the historic restoration techniques. The use of historic pointing mortars are widely known and used, and aside for new construction, are more the norm then the exception. Jahn, keim, etc are all great restoration products, and should be trusted over a mason claiming to know chemistry and coming up with his own brew of 'historic lime mortar'. The lime used a 100 years ago is different then what's in use today, so replication is nearly impossible. Call a few masons and get the process going.
Posted by: guest at June 17, 2008 9:16 PM
9:16
Lime today is different yes you are right.
The only difference is today is called Hidraulic Lime, which means is safer to use, because it comes already activated.
Long time ago we used to activate the lime at the job site,(something Tony Soprano would love to have done).
Just get your ($1000) money's worth.
LOL
Good Luck You are going to need it.
Posted by: guest at June 17, 2008 9:52 PM
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