Pre-1940 brick and stone rowhomes require breathable, non-Portland lime mortars. Connect with craftsmen who understand traditional historic masonry.
Pre-1930 historic bricks were fired at lower temperatures than modern brick, making them softer and porous. When modern Portland cement (Type S or N) is used for repointing, it creates a rigid, impermeable barrier. Trapped moisture cannot escape through the mortar joints and instead forces its way through the soft brick faces, causing severe spalling, cracking, and irreversible structural damage during winter freeze-thaw cycles. Historic preservation masons use custom-matched Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) or traditional lime putty mortars that allow the building envelope to breathe.
Leveled Up Masonry specializes in residential historic brick and stone restoration across Philadelphia. They focus on preserving historic masonry integrity using breathable non-Portland lime mortars specifically formulated for soft historic brick rowhomes.
Patrick Kane Masonry Restoration has served the Greater Philadelphia area since 1989. They specialize in historic residential facades, brownstones, stone pointing, and structural masonry stabilization adhering to Secretary of the Interior preservation standards.
DiLemmo Masonry Restoration is a family-owned specialist firm focusing on historic stone colonials, fieldstone farmhouses, and brick structures across Montgomery County and Northwest Philadelphia.
Superior Restoration LLC has over two decades of experience stabilizing and repointing historic masonry throughout Philadelphia, specializing in rowhouse facades, structural cracks, and traditional lime pointing.
Premier Building Restoration provides high-end historic restoration for commercial landmarks, institutional facilities, and significant historic residences across the Delaware Valley.