Brick Restoration Specifications

• Brick restoration is important to keep structures stable. Roine Magnusson/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  Brick restoration specifications are important to upholding safe and sound exterior and interior structures. According to "Masonry Magazine," some 17th century brick restoration methods --- such as "tuckpointing," which includes sanding and thinning out original mortar trim --- are still applicable today. Nevertheless, both antiquated and modern brick structures need maintenance to prevent against extensive weather damage and uneven block exposure.

Initial Patchwork

• Initial brick patchwork should begin with necessary chipping and cutting and include a thorough sanding, according to Bay Area Rapid Transit's (BART) Unit Masonry Restoration guidelines. All undamaged portions of the structure should be protected from adjacent patchwork and laborers are wise to use tarps or other protective coverings to shield initial patchwork from inclement weather. Laborers should always seek permission of the overseeing engineer when patchwork methods are questionable --- especially when working near metal structural supports.

Mortar Repairs

• Brick repairs should continue with mortar mixes made of a number of elements including epoxy and sand, according to BART. Epoxy mortar can be replaced by polymer-based chemicals. All mortar must be highly durable --- especially for tuckpointing restoration. Sand must be free of impurities and thoroughly dried before being added to mortar mixes. A mortar bonding level of 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) must exist in brick repairs up to four weeks after the initial application.

Paint Removal

• Removing paint should be carried out using a wet sandblasting method, according to BART, which prevents additional damage to existing brick surfaces and molding while peeling away old paint. All sound brick must be protected via tarp masking while sandblasting is underway. Cleaning brick can involve sandblasting or other methods, such as high-pressure chemical pressure washing. All brick and mortar must be dry before restoration processes can continue.