Brick Staircase Repointing and Restoration in McLean, VA
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Scope of Work
Project Overview
The homeowner contacted us about deteriorating mortar joints throughout a large front brick staircase leading to the main entrance of the home. Over time, weather exposure, moisture, and normal aging had caused significant mortar loss across the stair treads, landings, and side walls.
The staircase consisted of 21 brick steps, a 6′ × 6′ upper landing, and a 6′ × 4′ lower landing. Several areas showed advanced mortar deterioration, loose bricks, and localized brick movement. Our goal was to restore the structure, improve the appearance of the masonry, and prevent further deterioration while maintaining the original character of the staircase.
Before / AFTER
Site Conditions
The Property and Site Conditions
This project involved a large curved brick entry staircase that serves as the primary access point to the front porch. The staircase includes multiple landings, decorative brick patterns, and masonry sidewalls that transition from ground level up to the porch entrance.
During our assessment, we found that approximately 65% of the stair surfaces required repointing. Many mortar joints had deteriorated significantly, particularly around the landings and several of the mid-level steps. One section of the staircase showed more advanced deterioration than the surrounding areas, including several loose bricks that needed to be reset and stabilized before repointing could begin.
The sidewalls also required extensive attention. The right side of the staircase showed widespread mortar loss throughout the masonry joints. On the left side, several bricks near the base had separated from the structure behind existing landscaping, creating an area that required partial rebuilding and brick replacement.
Several fascia bricks along the staircase borders had also become cracked or damaged and needed to be replaced to restore the edges of the stair structure.
In Progress
ASSESsMENT
What We Did
We began by removing loose and deteriorated mortar from the staircase, landings, and sidewalls. Special attention was given to the heavily weathered sections where joint deterioration was most severe.
We repointed deteriorated mortar joints throughout the staircase, including the steps, landings, and sidewalls. The new mortar was carefully selected and installed to blend with the existing brickwork, maintain a consistent appearance throughout the structure, stabilize the affected area by replacing loose bricks, and repoint the entire step to create a more uniform and secure surface.
Along the left side of the staircase, we rebuilt a section where bricks had pulled away from the base near existing shrubbery. Matching red bricks were supplied and installed to restore the damaged area before new mortar was applied throughout the repair.
We also replaced approximately 10 damaged fascia bricks along the staircase borders and completed additional localized brick replacement where necessary. Once all masonry repairs were complete, the staircase presented a cleaner, more uniform appearance while addressing the structural concerns caused by years of mortar deterioration.
The completed project restored the integrity of the front entry staircase while preserving the home’s original brick character and improving the overall appearance of the entrance.
Completed Project
Thinking About a Similar Project?
Whether your staircase needs repointing, brick replacement, or broader masonry restoration, our team can help evaluate the condition of the structure and recommend the appropriate repairs.
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