Tuckpointing & Brick Repointing Contractors in St. Louis
Cracked mortar, gaps between bricks, water stains on the wall? Our masons rake out failing joints and repoint them with color-matched mortar so your brick looks right and stays dry — on century-old brick in University City and Webster Groves, and on newer homes in Chesterfield and St. Charles County alike.
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What Tuckpointing Does for Your Brick
Tuckpointing (also called repointing or brick pointing) is the process of grinding out deteriorated mortar between bricks and packing the joints with fresh mortar matched to the original in color, texture and hardness. The brick stays; only the joints are renewed.
It matters more here than in most of the country. Missouri's freeze-thaw winters push water into every hairline crack, freeze it, and pry the joint open a little wider each season. Left alone, that turns into loose bricks, interior water stains and eventually structural repair. Done on time, tuckpointing is one of the cheapest ways to add decades to a brick home.
Why homeowners have it done
- Seals joints against water and ice damage
- Restores crisp, uniform mortar lines on aging brick
- Keeps walls and chimneys structurally sound
- Adds curb appeal and resale value
Our Tuckpointing & Brick Repair Services
We're full-service masonry contractors, so we can handle everything a repointing job uncovers — not just the joints.
Tuckpointing & Brick Repointing
Dust-controlled mortar removal, deep-joint repointing and traditional trowel finishing. We use Type N, Type S or lime mortar depending on the age of your brick, and tint it to disappear into the existing wall.
Brick Repair & Replacement
Spalling, chipped or loose bricks are removed and replaced with reclaimed or matched brick so the repair doesn't read as a patch.
Chimney Tuckpointing
Chimneys take the worst of the weather. We repoint the stack, rebuild crowns and caps, and stop the leaks that show up as stains on the ceiling below.
Historic Mortar Matching
For older brick homes across St. Louis and St. Charles counties — from Webster Groves and Kirkwood to historic St. Charles — we use soft lime-based mortars and gentle removal so the original brick isn't damaged, and we work within local preservation guidelines where they apply.
Need more than joints? See our full
masonry restoration service or
fireplace and chimney work.
Signs Your Mortar Joints Are Failing
Run a finger along a joint. If it crumbles or leaves sand on your hand, the mortar is done. Other tell-tales:
- Cracked, recessed or missing mortar
- "Staircase" cracks following the joints
- White powder (efflorescence) on the brick — a moisture red flag
- Water stains on interior walls or ceilings near brick or the chimney
- Chimney bricks that have shifted or loosened
Catch it at the first sign and you're paying for spot tuckpointing. Wait, and you're paying for brick replacement or a rebuild.
How Much Does Tuckpointing Cost in St. Louis?
Most tuckpointing and brick repair in the St. Louis area runs $8 to $25 per square foot. Spot repairs are on the low end; full façades, historic mortar and hard-to-reach chimneys push it higher. We give free on-site estimates so the number you get is for your wall, not an average.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Spot tuckpointing (per sq. ft) | $8 – $15 |
| Full wall tuckpointing (per sq. ft) | $12 – $25 |
| Brick repair (per damaged brick) | $20 – $75 |
| Repointing historic mortar (per sq. ft) | $15 – $30 |
| Chimney tuckpointing | $300 – $1,200 |
| Whole-house tuckpointing | $10,000 – $50,000+ |
What moves the price: extent of deterioration, height and access, brick type, mortar color-matching or historic techniques, and whether it's repair, repointing or full tuckpointing.
Why St. Louis Homeowners Choose Us
- Decades of hands-on masonry experience — repointing, brick repair and full restoration under one roof
- Mortar matched for color, texture and hardness so repairs are invisible
- The right mortar for the structure: Type N, Type S or historic lime
- Licensed, insured, permits pulled, and familiar with St. Louis County building codes
- Clean job sites and crews that treat your home like their own
We repoint brick throughout St. Louis County —
Clayton,
Richmond Heights,
University City,
Webster Groves,
Ladue,
Ballwin and
Chesterfield — and across St. Charles County, including St. Charles, St. Peters and O'Fallon.
Tuckpointing FAQs
What's the difference between tuckpointing and repointing?
Repointing replaces failing mortar to restore strength. Tuckpointing does the same and adds a thin contrasting line for a crisp, decorative joint. Most homeowners use the words interchangeably, and we do both.
How do I know if my brick needs tuckpointing?
Do the scrape test: if the mortar crumbles under your finger, it's time. Gaps, staircase cracks and interior water stains are the other signs.
How much does tuckpointing cost?
Typically $8–$25 per square foot in the St. Louis area, and $300–$1,200 for a chimney. A whole house can run $10,000–$50,000+. We'll give you an exact free estimate on site.
How long does tuckpointing last?
Done with the correct mortar mix, 25 to 50 years. Gutters that work and keeping ivy off the wall extend that.
What happens if I put it off?
Water keeps getting in, freezes, and pries joints open further. Loose bricks and interior damage follow, and the fix moves from repointing to rebuilding.
Do you tuckpoint chimneys?
Yes — chimney tuckpointing, crown and cap repair are some of our most common jobs, and we can rebuild a chimney that's past repointing.
Get a Free Tuckpointing Estimate
Send us a photo of the problem area or book a free on-site inspection. Whether it's one chimney or a whole façade, we'll tell you exactly what it needs and what it costs — and we'll match the mortar so you can't tell where we worked.