Older brick homes need mortar work. Here is how to find them.
In this article
Why tuckpointing matters
In older brick homes, mortar wears out before the bricks do. Cracked joints let water in, causing damage inside and spalling outside. Homeowners rarely notice until there's a leak, which makes inspection and clear photos the best sales tool.
Older neighborhoods
Target areas with brick homes built decades ago.
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Chimneys
Chimneys take the most weather and often need repair first.
Water damage
Interior stains near brick walls point to mortar problems.
Inspection with photos
Close-up photos of failing joints convince faster than words.
Matching mortar
Color and type matching is what separates pros from patch jobs.
Seasons
Plan work for mild weather and sell during inspections in the off-season.
Realtors and inspectors
Home inspections often flag masonry repairs.
Know your numbers
Track inspections, jobs closed and square feet per day.
A message that books
"Hi David! I took close-up photos of your chimney joints. Several are open and letting water in. I'm sending the repair quote with matching mortar."
Where to start
Offer chimney and brick inspections with photos in older neighborhoods before the rainy season.
Common mistakes
Mortar that doesn't match, hard mortar on old soft brick and quotes without photos.
Following up
Masonry repairs are often delayed by homeowners. Send your photos again before the next rainy season with a short reminder. The damage is easier to justify when they see it getting worse.
Reviews
Ask for reviews with before-and-after photos. Clean, matched joints are impressive and help the next homeowner trust you.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a brick wall needs tuckpointing?
Mortar that is cracked, crumbling or recessed from the brick face, along with water stains inside, are common signs that the joints need repair.