The Most Common Repairs Needed in Boston’s Historic Brick Buildings

Boston’s historic brick buildings are part of what makes the city so iconic, from the stately brownstones of Back Bay to the centuries-old rowhouses lining Beacon Hill. These buildings are rich in history, but they also come with their own set of maintenance challenges. Over time, age, weather, and pollution take a toll on brickwork, requiring specialized restoration to keep these structures safe and beautiful.

TL;DR: Common repairs for historic brick buildings in Boston include repointing, fixing water damage, replacing damaged bricks, and addressing foundation issues. JMS Masonry specializes in historic restoration in and around Boston and can help preserve your property the right way.

Repointing Historic Buildings

One of the most frequent (and important!) repairs for historic brick buildings is repointing, the process of removing deteriorated mortar from joints and replacing it with new mortar.

Older buildings in Boston often used lime-based mortar, which is softer and more breathable than modern mixes. Using the wrong type of mortar in a repointing job can cause more harm than good, leading to cracked bricks and trapped moisture.

At JMS Masonry, we carefully match original mortar in composition, texture, and color to ensure your building is not only structurally sound but also historically accurate. It’s one of the many reasons why we’re trusted by preservationists across Greater Boston.

Replacing Damaged or Spalling Bricks

Spalling is when bricks begin to flake, crumble, or pop off due to moisture getting trapped inside. This is common in Boston, where freeze-thaw cycles are intense, especially in older buildings with porous materials.

Damaged bricks weaken your structure and create entry points for more water. It’s important to address these issues early, replacing bricks with historically compatible materials.

Water Damage and Efflorescence

Historic brick buildings often suffer from chronic water exposure, whether from leaky gutters, rising damp from the foundation, or failing flashing.

You might see white, powdery stains on your brick walls (efflorescence), bulging brickwork, or even moss growth. These are signs that moisture is compromising the wall system.

We not only repair the visible damage but also fix the root cause, through improved drainage, waterproofing membranes, or chimney cap repairs as needed. 

Cracks in the Foundation or Load-Bearing Walls

Cracks can appear in historic brick buildings for many reasons: settling, nearby construction vibrations, or water-related foundation movement. Some cracks are cosmetic, but others are signs of deeper structural issues.

Our team evaluates each crack carefully to determine whether reinforcement, underpinning, or a full masonry rebuild is needed.

Final Thoughts

Restoring a historic brick building takes skill, experience, and respect for the structure’s original craftsmanship. JMS Masonry is proud to be one of the leading historic restoration companies in Boston, with a portfolio that spans everything from single-family homes to landmark buildings.

If your brick building is showing signs of age, reach out for a consultation. We’ll help protect your property for generations to come. Contact us today to get started!