Brick Pointing
Mortar that matches.
Brick that survives.
Crumbling joints let water into century-old brick. We grind them out and repoint with mortar matched to your wall — in strength, color, and profile.
Why the mortar mix matters more than you'd think
DC's older rowhouses were laid with soft lime-based mortar that flexes and breathes with the brick. Repoint them with hard modern Portland mortar and the wall can't move — so the brick itself starts spalling, shedding its faces winter after winter. It's the most common, most expensive mistake in DC masonry.
We match the original mortar's hardness, color, sand texture, and joint profile. The repair protects the wall instead of fighting it, and it disappears visually.
The process, done clean
We grind or rake joints to proper depth — no skim-coating over failed mortar — vacuum and wet the joints, then pack and tool fresh mortar in lifts. Scaffolding where the work needs it, tarps below, and brick faces left clean. No smears, no "close enough" gray.
When to repoint
If you can rake mortar out of a joint with a key, see gaps or shadow lines between bricks, find sandy wash-out below a wall after rain, or spot white efflorescence blooming on the face — the wall is asking. Catch it early and repointing is maintenance. Catch it late and it's reconstruction.
Brick Pointing questions, answered
Related services
Ready to get a real number?
Free estimates across Washington DC — and 20% off your first project. Call us or send a message and we’ll come take a look.