I've read that one should use a special type of mortar with old brick houses because they expand more – portland mortar vs soft lime.
The recommendation from the NY Landmarks Commission states:
Use a soft, lime-rich mortar that will be elastic and allow for
movement, which will help prevent spalling and breakage of historic
brick due to expansion caused by water absorption.
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/lpc/downloads/pdf/pubs/App_Guide_Restoring_Arch_Features.pdf
I might possibly need to submit a permit to do this small repair.
If I need to repair some small sections of mortar to prevent water and ice getting in – should I use commercial regular mortar repair tubes or should I get an acrylic-based or some other special mortar repair product? Is the section small enough that I don't need to worry about matching expansion rates and sand color? It looks like this small section was already repaired more recently and doesn't have matching color mortar. Was using the wrong type of mortar the reason it's cracked?
The cracks are not huge – pictures shown below. Could I even use non-sanded grout repair material?
Cracks around mortar at knee level around the 1st-floor main exterior doorway (up a set of stoop stairs)
Front on shot of the cracks near doorway
Some mortar cracks between my house and the next adjoining house.
Should I use different mortar for the cracks between my house and the next door house?
Best Answer
With a facing I would clean all the loose out and mix some but I have the lime and bags of clean sand and pick up some fresh cement. Since you are new to this I would suggest a pre mixed repointing mix. It is a little more expensive than mixing it up your self. Pre mixed is basically Portland cement, clean fine sand, hydrated lime, and water, I will use an add mix it helps to seal but I don’t know if it is necessary, I started using addmix after learning how to tile. The reason I asked about foundations is then a stronger type (n or s ) would be needed. For exterior above grade any grade n, s or m will be fine. But purchasing a premix just go to a big box store and find the pre- mixed repointing bag. Add water according to the instructions better to start with not enough water and work up. There are acrylic? Premixed that you put on and let dry but I have not used these some one else may have advice on them.