Should I Repoint or Replace My Brick Wall?

That sinking feeling hits when you notice chunks of mortar scattered on the ground below your brick wall. Again. What started as a few loose spots has turned into something that keeps you up at night, wondering if your building is slowly falling apart.

The big question: repoint the existing masonry or tear it down and start fresh?

It's a decision that can save you thousands... or cost you an arm and a leg if you get it wrong.

TL;DR: Repointing works when brick condition is solid and mortar damage is limited, while complete reconstruction becomes necessary when structural integrity is compromised or brick deterioration is extensive.

How Much Does Repointing Cost vs. Complete Masonry Reconstruction?

Repointing typically costs 30-50% of what you'd pay for complete reconstruction.

For a typical residential wall, professional repointing generally runs about $8-15 per square foot. Complete reconstruction? You're looking at price estimates of $25-40 per square foot, sometimes more depending on brick selection and complexity.

But here's the kicker - cheap repointing that fails in 5 years isn't a bargain. Quality work uses the right mortar mix and proper techniques. It should last 25-30 years minimum.

The Hidden Costs of Reconstruction

Reconstruction isn't just about pulling down bricks and putting new ones up. You're dealing with:

• Matching existing brick (harder than you’d think!)

• Structural ties and flashing

• Potential foundation work if the wall's been compromised

• Disposal costs for old materials

That "simple" wall replacement can snowball quickly.

What Are the Signs My Brick Wall Needs Repointing vs. Reconstruction?

Here's how to read your wall like a pro.

Repointing makes sense when:

• Mortar is soft, crumbling, or missing in spots

• Bricks are still solid and well-aligned

• Water damage is minimal

• The wall structure is plumb and true

Time for reconstruction when you see:

• Bricks that are spalling, cracking, or deteriorating

• Bulging or leaning walls

• Repeated pointing failures in the same areas

• Structural cracks that keep coming back

If you’re inspecting your wall with these guidelines in mind and still have no idea, give us a call. We’d be happy to come take a look and give you a suggested course of action.

Let’s look at a quick example: A 1950s home may have mortar falling out in chunks, but if the bricks are perfect, they likely just needed proper repointing with the right mortar mix. Knowing this difference can save thousands of dollars compared to reconstructing.

How Long Does Repointing Last Compared to New Masonry?

Quality repointing should give you 20-30 years of solid performance. Sometimes longer if conditions are right.

New masonry construction? You're looking at 50-100+ years with proper maintenance. But here's the thing - most masonry problems aren't with the bricks themselves. It's the mortar that fails first.

Why Some Repointing Jobs Fail Early

Wrong mortar type kills more repointing jobs than anything else. Using Portland cement mortar on old lime mortar bricks? Recipe for disaster. The new stuff is too hard and damages the softer historic brick. While it may look similar to the everyday person, there are different mortars that serve different functions.

When Is Complete Masonry Reconstruction More Cost-Effective Than Repointing?

The math gets simple once you know what to look for.

Reconstruct when: More than 40% of your bricks need replacement OR you're facing repeated structural issues that repointing won't solve.

Repoint when: The brick is solid and you're dealing with mortar deterioration that affects less than 60% of the joints.

The gray area: When brick condition is mixed. This is where a professional assessment saves you from making expensive mistakes.

Should I Repoint Old Brick or Replace the Entire Wall?

Age isn't the enemy here - poor maintenance is.

We’ve worked on 1920s buildings where the original brick was in better shape than stuff from the 1980s. Old brick often has better clay content and firing. The mortar, though? That's usually what needs attention.

Consider the brick quality first. Hard-fired brick from the early 1900s can outlast you and your grandkids. Soft brick from certain eras? Sometimes starting over might make more sense.

How Do I Know If My Mortar Joints Need Repointing?

Simple test to determine if your mortar joins need repointing: take a house key and scrape the mortar joint. If it crumbles easily or you can dig out chunks, it's time for repointing.

Other warning signs:

• White staining (efflorescence) on brick faces

• Mortar that's receded more than 1/4 inch from the brick face

• Cracks that run through mortar joints

• Water stains or dampness issues on interior walls

Contact JMS Masonry for Repointing or Reconstruction

Don't guess when it comes to repointing vs. reconstruction. The wrong choice costs you time, money, and potentially compromises your building's integrity.

At JMS Masonry, our team has been making masonry assessments for over decades. We'll examine your brick condition, test your mortar, and give you the straight story about what your wall really needs.

Ready to get the facts about your masonry? Contact JMS Masonry today for a comprehensive wall assessment. We'll help you make the right decision - whether that's targeted repointing or complete reconstruction. Because your building deserves work that lasts.