What Masonry Repair Involves
In a well-built wall, the mortar is deliberately weaker than the brick around it. That is by design: mortar joints are the sacrificial element, absorbing movement and moisture so the brick itself survives. Over decades of Toronto freeze-thaw cycles the joints erode, crack, and eventually let water into the wall — and once water is getting behind the brick, the deterioration accelerates on its own.
Tuckpointing is the repair for that. The deteriorated mortar is cut out to a sufficient depth — not simply skimmed over, which is the most common shortcut and the reason a lot of repointing work fails within a few seasons — and fresh mortar is packed in and tooled to match the original joint profile. Getting the mortar mix right matters as much as the technique: modern high-strength mortar used on older soft brick is harder than the brick itself, so the brick face spalls instead of the joint wearing. On older Toronto homes, matching the mortar to the existing masonry is not a cosmetic concern, it is what keeps the repair from causing damage.
Alongside tuckpointing we replace individual spalled or cracked bricks, repair and re-parge foundation walls where the coating has blown off, and address chimney masonry that has deteriorated above the roofline. Where masonry deterioration is connected to water reaching the wall in the first place, it is worth looking at the cause as well as the symptom — see exterior waterproofing and foundation crack repair.
What’s Included
- Tuckpointing and repointing — joints cut back to sound mortar, repacked, and tooled to the original profile.
- Mortar matching to the strength and appearance of the existing masonry, so the repair does not damage the brick.
- Brick replacement for spalled, cracked, or missing units.
- Parging repair on foundation walls where the coating has cracked or separated.
- Chimney masonry repair for deterioration above the roofline.
What to Expect
- Inspection. We assess joint condition, brick type and hardness, the extent of deterioration, and whether water is reaching the wall from somewhere that needs addressing too.
- Written estimate. A clear scope — which elevations, how many square feet, what is included — and a price before scheduling.
- Joint preparation. Deteriorated mortar is cut out to sound material rather than skimmed over.
- Repointing. Matched mortar is packed into the joints and tooled to the correct profile.
- Brick and parging work. Damaged units are replaced and parging repaired where included in the scope.
- Cleanup & walkthrough. The site is cleaned and we go over the completed work with you.
When to Call Us
Masonry problems are slow until they are not. Worth having looked at when you notice:
Get it inspected if: mortar is crumbling or you can scratch it out with a key or screwdriver, joints are visibly recessed or missing sections, brick faces are flaking or spalling, there are gaps where the mortar has fallen away entirely, parging is bubbling or falling off the foundation wall, or you are seeing damp on the inside of an exterior wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tuckpointing, exactly?
It is the process of cutting out deteriorated mortar from between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar, tooled to match the original joint. Our guide to mortar joints explains why they fail before the brick does and what a proper repair involves.
Why does the mortar mix matter so much?
Because mortar should always be weaker than the brick around it. If a hard modern mix is used on older soft brick, the brick face spalls instead of the joint wearing — turning a routine repair into permanent damage to the masonry.
Can you match my existing brick and mortar colour?
We match as closely as the available materials allow, in both mortar composition and appearance. On older homes an exact colour match can be difficult, and freshly repointed joints will weather in over time. We are straightforward about what to expect before starting.
Do I need the whole wall done or just the bad sections?
Often just the affected areas, particularly if deterioration is concentrated on one elevation or near grade. The inspection identifies which sections genuinely need work, and the estimate is scoped accordingly rather than defaulting to the whole building.
What time of year can masonry work be done?
Mortar needs appropriate temperatures to cure properly, so this work is generally scheduled outside of freezing conditions. We will tell you honestly if the season means waiting produces a better result.
How We Grade a Crack
- 01 · HairlineThin, dry, not moving — monitor it
- 02 · Vertical / diagonalWider, may weep after rain — repair it
- 03 · Stair-stepFollows the mortar joints — assess it
- 04 · Horizontal / bowingPressure on the wall — act promptly
Related Services
Is Your Mortar Failing?
If you can scratch mortar out with a key, read why mortar joints fail before bricks do — then book an inspection.
Get a Free Inspection
No obligation, and a written estimate before anything is scheduled.
Book InspectionCrumbling Mortar or Spalling Brick?
A free inspection tells you how far the deterioration goes and what it will take to put right — in writing.
Direct lines
- 416-288-0547Mon–Fri, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
- [email protected]Send us the details
- 1344 Danforth AveToronto, ON M4J 1M9