Masonry restoration in Odessa TX - mortar joints that wear so your brick doesn't
Crumbling or sandy mortar between your bricks? We find what's wearing it out, repoint with mortar that suits the brick, and fix the cause.
Do my brick joints need repointing?
Masonry restoration in Odessa, TX usually means repointing. We rake the worn, crumbling mortar out of your brick or stone joints and pack in new mortar, so the wall keeps shedding water and the bricks stay protected.
Most folks call because they can run a finger along a joint and sand comes out, or they see gaps where the mortar is just gone. Mortar is supposed to wear out before the brick does, so worn joints aren't a disaster, but they do raise a question. Why did this part go first? The price mostly turns on how tall the wall is and whether we need scaffolding, how much of it is worn, and whether a drainage problem has to be fixed along with it. The schedule turns on the permit, which we handle with the city, and on getting mild weather for laying mortar. I'll walk it with you and write up what I think caused it and what we'd do about it, so you have it in writing before anything gets torn out.
What happens after you call us about worn mortar joints?
Call or send the form
You reach us at (432) 280-0058 or through the form on this page. We get back to you and set a time for me to come look.
I look at the wall myself
I check the joints, the brick and where the water runs, and I ask what you've noticed. You get a written estimate that says what I think is causing the problem and what we'd do about it, and nothing happens until you've read it and said go.
We sort out the permit
Once you say go, we check with the city or county office that covers your address and handle the application ourselves. In Odessa the city reviews plans for residential projects, and I tell you where the permit stands before we start.
Repoint, clean up, walk it
My crew and I do the work together, with me on site, and clean up when we're done. Then I walk the wall with you and show you what we did and why, so you know what to keep an eye on.
How we do masonry restoration, and the work that goes with it
First I figure out why the joints wore, because new mortar next to a leaking downspout or a bad drainage spot just washes out again. If that's what's going on, I point it out and we plan that fix into the job instead of leaving it for later. Then we rake the old mortar out to sound material, taking care not to chip the brick edges. On older brick or stone we pick a mortar that lets moisture out through the joints, so the mortar wears and the brick doesn't. We pack the joints and keep lime mortar from drying out too fast, because lime cures slowly once it's in the wall and a quick dry leaves a weak bond. We're fully licensed and insured, and the work is satisfaction guaranteed.
Restoration sometimes runs into the pieces built into the wall. If an old firebox or hearth is past saving, we can talk about fireplace installation instead of patching it again. If you'd like a new face on a wall that's sound underneath, stone veneer installation is the other route, and I'll tell you which one I think fits your house and why.
Get a free on-site estimate for your brick or stone joints
We reply within one business day to set a time, and I come out myself to look at the wall. The estimate is free and written up for you, with no pressure and no obligation.
Repointing questions from Odessa homeowners
How much does masonry restoration cost in Odessa, TX?
Repointing brick across the US usually costs about $3 to $25 per square foot, and that's the general market range, not our price. Taller walls that need scaffolding cost more per square foot than low ones, and a drainage fix adds to the job. For your own figure, I'd need to see the wall.
How often does brick need repointing?
Brick and stone mortar usually needs repointing every 25 to 30 years. You can plan for it as long-term upkeep, and if your joints are going well before that, something like water is likely wearing them out early.
Do I need a city permit for masonry repair in Odessa?
Yes. The City of Odessa requires a permit whenever an owner plans to alter or repair a building or structure, and the city's Building Inspections Division issues it. The contractor also has to be registered with the city before it will issue the permit, so that's fair to ask any mason. When you hire us, we handle the application and let you know where it stands before work starts.
Why does the type of mortar matter on old brick?
Mortar is meant to wear out first so it protects the brick, and it can only do that if moisture can dry out through the joints. Hard portland cement mortar on soft brick can trap that moisture inside, and on one documented wall it led to severe damage. Ask any mason what mortar they'd use on your wall and why before work starts.
How do I know if my wall needs more than repointing?
Basement leaks or large foundation cracks can point to a structural problem that needs fixing before anyone repoints. That's why I look past the joints when I come out, and if I see signs like that, I tell you before we talk about mortar.
What is the best way to clean old brick during restoration?
The best way is the gentlest one that gets it clean, because too much water pressure can damage the brick face, erode the mortar joints and strip finishes, which changes how the wall looks. Ask any crew how it plans to clean your brick, and I'll tell you how we'd handle yours.
Other masonry work that often comes up
Fireplace installation
If the brick around your firebox is cracked or the old fireplace no longer works, a new one built right can be a better spend than repeated patching.
Stone veneer installation
When you want a fresh stone face on a sound wall, foundation or chimney, veneer gives the look of full stone without rebuilding what's underneath it.
Send photos of your worn joints
Snap the worn joints and any leaking downspout before you call (432) 280-0058 or fill out the form, because seeing where the water runs helps me start working out the cause before I get there.