What is masonry?

Masonry is construction made from brick, stone, terra-cotta or concrete block, with mortar joints between units. For historic masonry, NPS describes joint preparation to 2½ times joint width, or until sound mortar is reached. Distinguish repointing—the replacement of deteriorated joint mortar—from replacing damaged brick or stone when comparing repair scopes.

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By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated 5 November 2026

What this means for your home project

Review available building maintenance records for earlier surface treatments; list what was applied before discussing cleaning. Source: National Park Service, read 2026-11-05.
Record visible crumbling mortar, joint cracks, loose units or damp areas for a repair assessment. Source: National Park Service, read 2026-11-05.
Ask for a written test-panel scope identifying masonry types, joint profiles and mortar colors so the proposed sample represents the work. Source: National Park Service, read 2026-11-05.
Request a repair sequence showing how roof or structural work and repointing will share access without interfering with one another. Source: National Park Service, read 2026-11-05.

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What happens when repointing masonry joints?

For historic masonry, NPS explains what joint repair changes and what disruption to plan for (read 2026-11-05). “Repointing, also known simply as "pointing" or-somewhat inaccurately-"tuck pointing" *, is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar (Fig. 1).” (source) “The joint preparation process can be quite noisy and can generate large quantities of dust which must be controlled, especially at air intakes to protect human health, and also where it might damage operating machinery.” (source)

What should I check before repairing masonry wall cracks?

For historic masonry damage, NPS distinguishes symptoms needing investigation from units that may need replacement (read 2026-11-05). “The decision to repoint is most often related to some obvious sign of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, damp walls, or damaged plasterwork.” (source) “It is, however, erroneous to assume that repointing alone will solve deficiencies that result from other problems (Fig. 2).” (source) “Damaged bricks or stone units can sometimes be removed, turned around, and reset, or replaced with salvaged units.” (source)

What mortar should I choose for brick repair?

Use NPS guidance on ASTM C270 to discuss a proposed repair mortar’s compatibility with historic brick (read 2026-11-05). “Mortars for repointing should be softer or more permeable than the masonry units and no harder or more impermeable than the historic mortar to prevent damage to the masonry units.” (source) “Mortar can be mixed using lime putty according to ASTM C 270 property or proportion specification.” (source)

How should I clean masonry?

NPS describes how to evaluate a cleaning proposal for historic masonry before treating the full surface (read 2026-11-05). “In order to determine the gentlest means possible, several cleaning methods or materials may have to be tested prior to selecting the best one to use on the building.” (source) “Testing should always begin with the gentlest and least invasive method proceeding gradually, if necessary, to more complicated methods, or a combination of methods.” (source) “It is preferable to conduct the test in an inconspicuous location on the building so that it will not be obvious if the test is not successful.” (source)

What affects masonry repair cost?

For historic masonry repointing, NPS identifies labor and work layout as factors to discuss when comparing scope (read 2026-11-05). “Repointing is both expensive and time consuming due to the extent of handwork and special materials required.” (source) “The unit price also should reflect quantities; one linear foot of pointing in five different spots will be more expensive than five contiguous linear feet.” (source)

Does masonry paint allow brick to breathe?

For brick masonry coatings, BIA distinguishes traditional paint from a mineral-based finish when discussing moisture movement (read 2026-11-02). “In general, BIA does not recommend applying traditional paint to brick masonry because of the risk of trapping moisture within the brick layer.” (source) “When the opaque, smoother-textured appearance of painted brickwork is desired, BIA recommends applying a mineral-based paint.” (source) “The mineral base of the paint allows for vapor permeability which minimizes the risk of trapping moisture within the brick layer.” (source)

Sources

Preservation Brief 2: Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings — National Park Service; published 1998; read 2026-11-05.
Preservation Brief 1: Assessing Cleaning and Water-Repellent Treatments for Historic Masonry Buildings — National Park Service; published 2000; read 2026-11-05.
Preservation Brief 47: Maintaining the Exteriors of Small and Medium Size Historic Buildings — National Park Service; read 2026-11-05.
Frequently asked questions about brick — Brick Industry Association; read 2026-11-02.