Last modified: 2023-03-17 | Approximate reading time 
3 mins
Brick is a building material that has been used for hundreds, if not thousands of years. In terms of sustainability, it has proven its worth. It is a very clever system for structures and exterior siding. Brick is suitable for different climates and functions both for a contemporary aesthetic and for a classic look. The brick itself has a very long lifespan, spanning decades and even more!
However, there are times when the mortar joint that acts as a sealer between the bricks needs to be repaired or replaced. In this article, we will discuss the main causes of issues with brick joints, the experts to call for this type of problem and finally, the approximate budget to plan for this type of repair.
What Causes Brick Mortar Issues?
First, know that brick joint problems are one of the 6 most common masonry problems.
The main causes of issues with mortar are as follows:
- Using a poor quality mortar or the wrong type of mortar;
- Climatic conditions that affect the integrity of the product;
- Incorrect application of the product (too much or not enough);
- A lack of water circulation can cause other problems like bulging brick walls;
- Other problems that lead to cracks in bricks and mortar (to be determined with the mason).
What kind of expert should you call to fix a brick joint?
For projects involving brickwork, always call in masonry experts! If you are in Quebec, make sure the contractor you are dealing with has the right RBQ license, with the relevant subcategories, including 4.1 (masonry structures contractor). For other provinces, check with your local authorities to know what type of licence they need to operate legally.
If you use the services of RenoQuotes.com, know that we check the validity of the licenses of contractors who are part of our network.
Masonry is an expertise in itself. You have to know the techniques and the products in order to make the best choices so that the result is durable and safe. Therefore, for a joint project, it is often better to entrust the task to a specialist than to a contractor with less experience in this field. Also, you will probably have more guarantees for the results.
In another article, we have presented the steps for repairing brick joints. If you want to get an idea of what this is all about, don't hesitate to take a look before talking to contractors!
How much does it cost to repair brick joints (repointing)?
Finally, we tackle the main question that drew you to this article! We consulted several masonry experts who are part of our network and they indicated that this type of project entails costs ranging between $14 and $20 per square foot. To get a general idea of what price to expect, you can try measuring the area in question and multiplying accordingly.
Check out our article Price guide: masonry work and bricklaying to learn more about the average rates for other work.
Is it wise to wait a bit before having the mortar repaired?
Ideally, it is best to act quickly when you notice that the masonry joints on an exterior wall are damaged. Indeed, if the seals are not in good condition, you run the risk of aggravating the situation. Eventually, it will no longer be a repointing job, but a bulging brick wall repair project caused by water infiltration, cracks, structural problems and so on.
Moreover, if there are holes between your bricks, it's like opening the door for critters! Your exterior walls will no longer be as impermeable for water, but also for insects and other critters that we prefer to keep outside.
Therefore, if you notice that some joints are in need of repair, it is best to at least have them evaluated by an expert. They can tell you if you need to carry out the repairs as soon as possible or if it can wait a few months.
Repointing an interior brick wall
You will have noticed in this article that we first and foremost address brick surfaces located on the outside. Obviously, the joints of the interior brick walls also need to be repaired. This is especially true if the brick wall is located in a damp room such as the bathroom or kitchen.
In the living room or in a bedroom, it can be less urgent, but you should still seek the advice of an expert because it is impossible to assess all this without being knowledgeable on the subject and you should especially not trust some vague indications in an article to make your own diagnosis.
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