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Black Goose

Chimney Sweep | Williamsburg, Yorktown, Newport News, & Hampton

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For Historical Masonry, Mortar Matters! Lime Mortar vs Portland Cement

 

August 8, 2022 by BlackGoose

When repairing or restoring an old historical building, it is important to use materials that will maintain the original appearance and integrity of the structure. Portland cement and lime mortar have both been used for centuries for this purpose, but which one is better? Let’s take a closer look at each material’s composition, masonry history, and uses to find out more!

Historical renovations come with a variety of challenges and considerations and should only be done by an expert. Most historical buildings feature masonry of some sort, from small fireplaces to entire exteriors of stonework. An integral part of that masonry is the mortar, which holds the bricks together. Over time mortar can weather and degrade, leading to gaps in construction that are vulnerable to erosion and damage. When it comes time to repair or replace the masonry, how can you ensure the building will remain strong while staying true to its original appearance? Portland cement and lime mortar are the two most common mortars available, but they will perform very differently and will affect both the appearance and the strength of your building. Read on to learn about each material and where its use is most appropriate.

Portland cement is a man-made material that was first developed in the early 1800s. It is made by heating a mixture of limestone and clay and adding in gypsum. This is then ground into a very fine, uniform powder that forms the basis of what we know as mortar. This material has many advantages, including a quick, even set time and high strength. It has the ability to set even when used underwater and its small particles allow it to fill tiny pores and gaps. This feature also means that the concrete product is less permeable to moisture, which is an important consideration in the durability and weather resistance of construction. Portland cement is the most commonly used cement in mortar today and currently makes up about 95% of cement production worldwide.

Strong, quick to set, widely produced, useful in many settings – this has to be the best all-around choice, right? Well, it depends. For most modern construction the answer is yes. However, there are other considerations when working on historical masonry. Many people think that super-strong, waterproof moisture means a stronger construction, but in fact the opposite is true.

In a brick masonry structure, the mortar is meant to take the bulk of the building stress and allow moisture to pass through it. This means that the bricks are less likely to crack or erode. If the mortar is waterproof, that will raise the moisture content within the bricks, causing weaknesses and erosion. And if the mortar is stronger than the bricks around it the stress of the building will be absorbed by the masonry units themselves rather than the mortar. If the mortar is the softer and more permeable part in a wall, that means that the bricks will not retain excess moisture and that the mortar will flake, crack, or erode instead of the bricks. It is vastly preferrable for the mortar to fail instead of the bricks. Mortar is much easier to replace and match, as long as the right materials are available.

So why is lime mortar the all-around better material for historical masonry? For one, that flexibility and stress absorption is necessary in older structures that were not built with vertical expansion joints. Vertical expansion joints are installed along vertical faces to allow the masonry to move and flex with changes in temperature or humidity, weather stress, and settlement. Lime mortar does this naturally due to its softer composition and ability to “self-heal” or reseal hairline cracks with its greater water solubility. If a section of lime mortar in a building is replaced by a harder and less permeable mortar, the brick surrounding it is much more likely to crack, flake, or spall leaving visible sections of damage on a building’s face.

Remember how Portland cement’s tiny particle size made it desirable due to its ability to fill tiny gas and bond well to other materials? The particle size in lime mortar is even smaller, allowing even better fill and a stronger bond to the masonry units. Lastly, using a lime mortar will enable you to match the color of the rest of the structure, which is vital to maintaining the historical integrity and authenticity of the building.

Ensuring that you use a compatible masonry material is not only important for the aesthetic of the building, but also in ensuring that your construction will remain strong and your brick undamaged. At Black Goose we have completed repairs on numerous historical buildings, including 18th, and 19th century structures statewide including the Wren Building (1695) at William and Mary. We can source period-accurate materials and salvage bricks in order to maintain a live artifact. Contact us today to discuss how we can repair or restore your historic masonry with authenticity and longevity.

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Google Rating
4.0
Based on 81 reviews
Black Goose Chimney
Black Goose Chimney
4.0
Xanthe Calzadilla
We hade Black Goose Chimney replace our old gas fireplace with an electric one back in early September '24. They were very professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Sergey and company finished the job in a timely manner, it's works great and looks fantastic.Move forward to April '25 and without going into great detail, the remote was lost. I reached out and with the help of Karen and Juanita, they were able to reach out and get us a replacement. I would definitely recommend them them, over and over.
denise chamblee
Incredible service. From the person answering the phone and scheduling an appointment to the service itself. Mike Wardley and Chris called prior to their arrival, were extremely professional, got the job done even though it was just supposed to be an evaluation. They went above and beyond to schedule an additional service. They were nice and clean and efficient. I can't say enough good things about my experience with the company and these 2 men.
CT Arrington
Absolutely horrible customer service. We called them to remove a dead bird from our dryer vent pipe. The tech claimed that they could not do any work because the external vent is too close to a power line. Refused to even try to fix the problem from inside our home. Another company came out and fixed the issue from inside our home!Worst part is they pressured our daughter into paying the full $159 service call fee then lied about the owner’s availability to speak with us and lied again saying they would refund half our fee.
Nick Will
Bobby and Brandon did a great job today, punctual, professional, clean and very thorough. Even very willing to answer any questions I had about my chimney.
Sunshine Hardison
Bobby is great to work with. Fast response and high quality work.
Michael Levenson
I have an outside gas fire pit that needed help. Sergery came out and had it back to working great after 2 visits. I thanked him the first visit and he told me not to thank him until job was complete and I am satisfied. When completed he followed up to make sure I was satisfied since I was out of town when job completed.To me that says a lot to have pride in your work and to really want the follow up on satisfaction confirmation. That customer service and pride has been lost lately with a lot of companies and it is good to see it again. Thanks!
Jen Test
Customer service is extremely poor
Lydia Clark
My glass doors, outside of my fireplace, had gotten broken..Black Goose had to measure, and special order the doors.They replaced them and did an excellent job.
Steve Thompson
We called Black Goose Newport News to install an electric fireplace & shiplap in our family room. The space was previously used for an old fashion tv & stereo system built into the wall. They did an exceptional job filling in the space and making the room look modernized. Top quality workmanship!!!
Robin Boling
Black Goose recently came out to sweep my chimney. They ended up charging me over $300 and did an inspection saying that my chimney need all sorts of repairs. I have had other chimney sweeps out over the past 15 years and never had an issue like this. They quoted 20K for the so called repairs. I will never call them again.
Sheila J
They said I neeeded a new vent system. Did it. Did it wrong and then came back and didn’t even know they had done it
Karen Lewis
"Sergey" and his crew replaced our wood burning fireplace with a gas direct vent Valor fireplace. It was a major project with reframing and additional issues but they did an outstanding job. "Juanita" was outstanding with customer service and also Karen with the scheduling. Thank you for everything. Go Navy!
Rob Gregory
Paid for them to come out and look at my house and take measurements for a free standing Woodstove and chimney. Ghosted after that. I reached out again to ask about looking at pellet stoves to be installed and they haven’t replied back in a couple of weeks. Glad I gave them money for no reason. It’s ok because I found a better company to do the job and they didn’t charge for an estimate. I would leave a lower star review if possible.
Melissa Novak
The technicians performed a very thorough inspection of the fireplace in a home we are purchasing. They took their time, checked every inch of the fireplace, including the roof and attic. We’ll be contacting them for a gas insert!
Devin Haslam
These guys are pretty average. They gave me incorrect info, they overcharge, and their work is average quality
John Mason
Professional and efficient. Chimney and wood stove inspection, cleaning.
RWM
Admittedly this was several years ago but I scheduled them to come to Smithfield and sweep my woodstove chimney. Took a day off from work and they never showed and didn't call. When I called them they didn't apologize or care whatsoever and said I could reschedule. Of course I said no and did it myself.
Caroline Martin
so we moved into our home about a year ago, I just wanted the chimneys swept so we could start using our fire places. The lady on the phone (who was very kind) said there was a travel fee (totally understand), the inspection fee and then sweeping of two chimneys would be around $900. Ok, great. The guys come out, (who are extremely professional and kind), they do the inspection and then write up almost $33,000 in proposals of work that needs to be done to both chimneys. This is a 40 year old home and there is some mortar missing on the inside of the chimney apparently. They wanted to charge $1,400 a day for a lift when lifts we have rented in the past have been at most $500 a day. They wanted to charge $2,290 to pressure wash the chimney (do you know how small a chimney is??, I could get my whole house pressure washed for $1,500). The prices they proposed were absolutely insane. But in the end the never swept the chimneys (they confirmed they could be swept from the inside), so they charged us for the travel fee and inspection fee $500+ for nothing done. I feel so dumb.
Kirsten Shaffer
I called to get an estimate for some repairs required for our home sale, as requested by the buyers following inspection. I told the person who answered the phone our closing date and when repairs would need to be completed. A technician came over the next day. He was very polite and professional. I also told him my closing date. He indicated that I would get an email estimate and could proceed with scheduling service following that. A week after he came out, I called the office to follow up and was told that the techs were extremely busy and were a month behind on estimates. When I expressed dismay, the staff member (same person I spoke to the first time was rude and dismissive. I told them I would not be using their services and not to bother with an estimate. Two days later, I got an email from someone else indicating that the file was behind because the accountant had been out of the office, but that they’d get back to me asap. It’s now been 10 days and I’ve still heard nothing. I paid $149 for the inspection. If they were so behind, they should’ve mentioned that at the time I scheduled the inspection. The office staff was rude, and apparently they have no idea how to run a business. Do not use them.
Jose Garcia
Definitely recommend! I was informed by the home insurance that I needed a certification. I called Black Goose Chimney and expressed my needs. They ensured me that I had nothing to worry about and that they would make it happen regardless the time crunch. They squeezed me in their schedule and explained the process without hesitation. Once again Thank you!!!
John Puckropp
Technician Sergey Gardner did an outstanding job explaining and fixing my fireplace. Highly recommend!LtCol John PuckroppUSMC Retired
Victoria Terrill
I highly recommend Black Goose Chimney! Juanita picked up my phone call and was so helpful and sweet from the get-go. Joe and John C. inspected and conducted a chimney sweep on my place. Both were very professional, on-time, and great to speak with. The chimney was well beyond needing a cleaning and the did a great job. They pretty much made the chimney go from black to a light grey color (which I didn’t know was possible) and they also cleaned up after themselves. Joe and John C. were so nice and even tolerated my terrible (and overused) Mary Poppins references. I would absolutely recommend Black Goose Chimney and Joe/John C. They did a great job!
E H
My homeowner’s insurance on my new house said I needed to have my wood stove removed or they’d cancel my policy. Black Goose Chimney was able to come out and do the job within a few days, sealed off the chimney, and provided me pictures to send the insurance company. The crews who came out were on time, professional, knowledgeable, and laid down blankets to protect my floors. Karen in the office was so helpful with getting me the pictures for my insurance company.
Next Home Coastal Luxury Realty
Work for a Keller Williams agency. Needed a chimney repair on a house closing the following day. Black Goose was able to check it out the day I called and are able to make repairs the following day! Mike the tech, MORE then helpful as was Lois in the office. I highly recommend them for your chimney and fireplace needs!!
Sovonia Golden
Miriam Kotsonis
Super helpful and knowledgeable staff!
Levi Collins
Mrs. Karen was wonderful and got us scheduled right away, the service team was excellent and professional. Mr. Jim ordered our part and it came the next week, nice lady called me and they scheduled it for the very next day. I HIGHLY recommend this company for there excellent attention to detail, customer service that makes you feel like family, and quick response time.
robandpathy S
Excellent Service
William Mace
If I could give negative stars I would! These guys jerked my 80 year old mother around during Christmas when it was freezing. Someone told Mom to call these guys because the furnace was venting into the basement. A dude looking like Bob Marley shows up and says he can't fix it or even look at it because we have slate roof and they need special equipment to get up there. Ok. I get it. When can you come back? Someone will call you. No. No one called me. I called the next week. By this time mom had to sleep downstairs in front of fireplace to stay warm. I called. Dude on phone said he didn't know anything about it but would get back to me day after New Years. He didn't. I called again on Wednesday. No one answered. I left a message. Nothing.
Al Budaszewski
I had my fireplace serviced recently. They were able to restore full function to my gas fireplace and remote control without replaccing any components. They are honest, thorough, and I would do business with them again.
Skip Savell
Dorethea Johnson
They attempted to charge me an absorbent amount for money a fireplace chain cover. They qouted a me the price for it. They didn't have it in stock. When It came in. They had changed the price by more than double.
Kyle Russell
I seen a employee hit another vehicle on 64 and keep driving. Wouldn't want that integrity working at my house.
William Chandler
Very professional and thorough.
Jory Morrison
Frances McCoy-Brown
From the person answering the phone and scheduling my appointment. To the two men who came out and did a chimney check were very courteous and professional. I was provided with information that would help me make an informed decision. There was no hard sell ! I would recommend them.
Yvonne Richardson
Had my chimney and firebox repaired. they did the work in very reasonable time and did a very good job. Were on time and were respectful, courteous and professional. Cleaned up nicely also. The lady in the office was very friendly and helpful.
Bridget Sims
Brian Lucas
I paid them to perform a diagnostic on my gas logs that were not lighting. The Tech determined I have a faulty valve and told me the office would look up the part and send me a quote to replace it. That was nearly three months ago. I called the office twice during that time to remind them and got the run-around. Don’t waste your time on this company.
Amanda Wroten
Ken Nelson
Pauretta Banks
Love my fire place! They did a great job and made sure I was satisfied before they left.
Tom Jowers
High prices but as the old saying goes "you get what you pay for." In this case, quality service.
John Sims
This company helped fix our chimney after a very scary fire we had. Great quality work and very professional crew
Pamela Mason
Black Goose Chimney did a superb job for us. Their technician Joe is a pleasure to work with and is not only professional and polite, but does fantastic work! On time, great workmanship and a pleasure to work with - what more can you ask for. I would recommend BlacK Goose Chimney to anyone.
Deborah Hill
Michael Chase
What a great team. Highly professional, knowledgable and no nonsense tell it like it is workers. Sergey is a master brick layer and technician. I will not use anyone else when it comes to brick and chimney work.The owner, Jim and Kathy, front office, are absolutely great to work with. I highly reccommend this company.
William Marx
The terracota liner to the oil boiler had broken after 50 years. Jim came out and gave an estimate and managed to promptly get a crew here on a Saturday to replace it with a steel liner. The crew, Sergei and Michael, arrived on time and were quite polite, efficient and neat. The left the house in better shape than when they arrived. They took care that the 5 month old puppy was kept away from the repair materials. Michael went so far as to clear the entire roof of pine needles, not just the area he was working. Greatly appreciated. They truly went the extra mile!
Selina Tyler
James Simone
Wanted to charge a $99.00 service call for an estimate. Other companies came for free
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