If you’ve noticed your mortar crumbling between the bricks of your home or building, you’re not alone. Many property owners in Boston and throughout Massachusetts deal with deteriorating mortar, especially in historic masonry structures. While brick can last for centuries, mortar has a shorter lifespan and requires maintenance to keep your masonry strong.
At JMS Masonry & Restoration, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing mortar issues, helping homeowners and business owners restore and preserve their buildings. In this post, we’ll break down the main reasons why your mortar may be crumbling and how to address the problem before it leads to costly damage.
The Effects of New England Weather
Massachusetts’ climate is tough on masonry. The freeze-thaw cycle is one of the biggest culprits behind crumbling mortar. When water seeps into the mortar joints and then freezes, it expands, causing the mortar to weaken and break apart over time. This is especially common in older brick buildings in Boston, where historic structures endure decades of harsh winters.
Solution:
Regular tuckpointing (the process of replacing deteriorated mortar) can help prevent further damage. JMS Masonry specializes in repointing historic masonry, using period-appropriate materials to ensure a seamless restoration.
Poor-Quality or Mismatched Mortar
If the wrong type of mortar was used in a past repair - especially a modern cement-based mortar instead of a traditional lime-based one - it can cause damage rather than provide support. Older bricks in historic Boston brownstones, churches, and colonial homes are softer and require mortar that allows for flexibility and breathability.
Solution:
A professional masonry contractor, like JMS Masonry, can analyze your existing mortar and recommend the correct mix to ensure long-term stability. Our team specializes in historic masonry restoration in Massachusetts, ensuring that all repairs are done correctly.
Natural Aging & Lack of Maintenance
Even the best mortar won’t last forever. Most mortar joints need repointing every 25 to 50 years, depending on the quality of the original work and exposure to the elements. If your building hasn’t had masonry maintenance in decades, it’s time to have it inspected before small cracks turn into structural issues.
Solution:
Schedule a masonry inspection to assess the condition of your mortar and get expert recommendations to restore your structure and prevent further deterioration.
Water Damage & Poor Drainage
Water is a major enemy of masonry. If your building has poor drainage (such as missing or clogged gutters, improper flashing, or a lack of waterproofing) the mortar will absorb excess moisture, accelerating deterioration.
Solution:
Check for signs of water infiltration, such as damp interior walls, white powdery deposits (efflorescence), or cracked mortar. JMS Masonry offers solutions like waterproofing, proper flashing installation, and strategic repairs to keep your masonry dry and strong.
Salt & Deicing Chemicals
If your brickwork is near sidewalks, driveways, or roads, it may be exposed to deicing salts during the winter. These salts can cause spalling, where the mortar and even the brick face start to flake and crumble.
Solution:
Use sand instead of salt for ice control, and apply a masonry sealer if needed. If damage has already occurred, JMS Masonry can repair and reinforce your mortar joints to prevent further issues.
Protect Your Boston Building with JMS Masonry & Restoration
If your mortar is crumbling, don’t wait until it leads to brick damage, structural issues, or costly repairs. At JMS Masonry & Restoration, we specialize in historic masonry restoration, repointing, and waterproofing throughout Boston and Massachusetts. Whether your property is a historic brownstone, a commercial building, or a residential home, our team is ready to help.
Contact us today to schedule a masonry inspection and protect your building for years to come!