Welcome to Longhorn Masonry Repair.
We fix ugly masonry repairs with properly matching mortar. Get brick repair done right, the first time....or
Call Longhorn Masonry Repair to fix it.
We provide masonry repair services in: Dallas, Fort Worth, Granbury
*Be Sure to mention Promo Code: Masonry Repair *
call:
(817) 458-1872
*Be Sure to mention Promo Code: Masonry Repair *
email us:
Match Existing Mortar
For certified
mortar matching services call
AMR Labs 817-366-8376
We often use AMR Labs for our
mortar matching services. AMR Labs is an approved
mortar testing lab that
specializes in matching existing mortars. Many local/state historical
organizations recommend AMR Labs to get a more perfect mortar match.
Mortar Matching is performed through a series of
mortar testing and
analysis procedures.
How are Mortars matched?
These mortars are matched through a lab analysis that determine color of mortar, color and gradation of sand, and relative crushing pressures of the samples tested.
This process requires 2-3 samples.
While we provide the option for matching with AMR Labs, we provide basic testing and matching on location and match mortars within a
reasonable tone. Most matches are not visible upon drying.
How to match mortar for brick repair and repointing
Mortar testing begins with a crushing pressure test. This test is used to determine the mortar type. The mortar type is the most important part in Brick Repair. Only a properly matched mortar type will bond correctly into the mortar joints being repaired.
The next step in the mortar analysis is a hydrochloric test. This step in testing mortar provides a lot of useful information. The amount of weight lost in this test is weight of the binder or cement in the mortar mixture. This mortar test also cleans the sand used in the mortar but leaves the sand, the dirt, and other contaminates. All sand comes with some dirt in it, and there may be other contaminates in the sand. This is important to getting a proper mortar match. The sand is 3/4 of the composition of mortar.
The next stage in the mortar analysis testing is the start of the color matching. The mortar color matching is done in three steps after all of this data is collected.
First, match the base tone. This is the Grey Tone. How white or grey is the mortar. This is done by comparison to a mortar chart.
Next, the pigments are adjusted to match the other colors in the mortar. This is again compared to a mortar chart for visual analysis.
The mortar is now ready for confirmation or further adjustment of color tones. A portion of the mortar is mixed, dried, and physically confirmed.
Each formula is guaranteed to match (within a reasonable tone) in the color and texture to the samples provided from your home. Mold and Mildew may need to re-grow in the pores to complete the match. This part of natural aging we cannot recreate because these tones vary around your home and change throughout the year.
Most mortar matches are not visible immediately upon drying.
Below are the before and after pictures of a project where the old repairs are smeared and used mis-matched mortar,
and in the after photo, mortar smears are cleaned off the bricks and the mortar is repaired with matching mortar. You
will notice the second picture looks darker. This is because the wall is wet from cleaning and the pictures were taken
the same day. The first in the morning with more direct light and the second in the late afternoon when the sun was on
the other side of the building.
As you can see, masonry repairs look much better when the mortar is tested and properly
matched with our mortar matching services.
