Chimney masonry. Tuckpointing, brick replacement, and full rebuilds.
Mortar fails before brick — by design. It is the sacrificial layer. When you can scratch it out with a screwdriver, water gets behind the brick face, freezes, and pops the face off. We grind out failed joints to a uniform depth and repoint with a Type N mortar matched to the original color and texture.
What's included in this service?
- Joint grinding to 3/4" minimum depth with vacuum-shroud grinder
- Tuckpointing with Type N mortar (Type S for chimneys exposed to high wind)
- Spalled brick replacement matched to original size, color, and texture
- Partial chimney rebuild from the roof line up
- Full chimney rebuild with new footing assessment
- Sandblast or chemical cleaning of efflorescence and soot stains
- Color-matched mortar tinting on visible chimneys
When do you need this service?
- Mortar joints can be scratched out with a screwdriver
- White efflorescence powder is appearing on the brick
- Brick faces are popping off (spalling) — common after wet winters
- Vertical or horizontal cracks running through the brick
- Chimney has a visible lean or bulge
- Pre-listing repair so the brick photographs cleanly
What do homeowners ask about Masonry?
How do I know if I need tuckpointing?
Take a screwdriver to a few joints. If you can scratch the mortar out a 1/4" deep with hand pressure, the joint is failing. Look for joints with hairline cracks, missing chunks, or where the mortar has receded behind the brick face. White efflorescence on the brick is another tell — moisture is moving through the joints.
How long should new tuckpointing last?
Properly done tuckpointing — joints ground to 3/4" minimum depth, mortar matched in type and color, joints tooled to match original — lasts 25–40 years. Bad tuckpointing (skim coat over a failed joint, wrong mortar type) starts failing in 3–5 years.
Why does spalled brick keep coming back?
Because the spalling is a symptom, not the disease. The disease is water entering the chimney from the top — usually a failed crown or cap. We always fix the water source first. If we replace spalled brick without sealing the top, the new brick spalls again in 5 years.
Can you match the original brick?
Usually yes for chimneys built since 1950 — common brick sizes and colors are still made. For pre-1950 chimneys with custom brick, we source reclaimed brick from local salvage yards. The match is rarely perfect but is typically close enough that the patch is invisible from the curb.
When does a chimney need a full rebuild instead of repair?
When more than 30% of the joints are failing, when there is structural cracking in the brick itself, or when the footing has shifted enough to lean the stack. A partial rebuild from the roof line up costs $4,800–$7,500 and gives you a new chimney where it matters most. Full rebuilds with footing work run $12,000+.
Where do we offer Masonry in San Diego County?
We provide masonry in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.
See masonry in all 48 cities
Homeowners who hired us for this
Bought our 1980s house with no service history on the fireplace. Their camera scan found a cracked clay tile we never would have spotted. Sweep was dust-free — couldn't tell they'd been in our living room. Written report in my inbox the next morning.
Called for a leak that two roofers had blamed on the roof. Their tech ran a hose test and showed me it was the crown — pictures and everything. Crown rebuild stopped the leak the same week. Honest work and clear pricing.
Raccoons in the chimney for two seasons. Other companies wanted to sell me a full inspection package first. Draft Pro came out, installed a stainless cap with proper mesh, and the noises stopped that night. Fair price.
Need masonry in San Diego County?
Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.