Professional Brick Repointing & Mortar Joint Repair in Wilmington, NC

Crumbling mortar joints, loose bricks, or visible gaps?

Cary Masonry provides professional brick repointing and mortar joint repair in Wilmington, NC designed to stop moisture damage and restore structural strength.

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​Wilmington NC
​Brick Repointing
and Mortar Joint Repair

Crumbling mortar joints, loose bricks, or visible gaps in your brickwork? These are signs your masonry is breaking down and needs proper repointing before the damage spreads.

Cary Masonry provides professional brick repointing using proven methods developed from over 40 years of real masonry experience — focused on long-lasting repairs, not surface patchwork.

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Signs Your Brick Needs Repointing or Mortar Joint Repair

Common warning signs that indicate the need for brick repointing include:

• Mortar that crumbles or turns to powder when touched
• Visible cracks or gaps along mortar joints
• Loose or shifting bricks
• Moisture staining or discoloration on brick surfaces
• ​Deterioration around steps, porches, chimneys, or wall bases

Addressing these issues early prevents extensive brick repair, brick replacement, structural damage, and costly repairs later.

Repointing is not just filling joints — it involves removing deteriorated mortar to the proper depth and installing new mortar that bonds correctly and performs over time. Poor repointing can fail quickly or damage the surrounding brick.

Our work focuses on proper joint preparation, correct mortar selection, and clean installation techniques to ensure a durable and visually consistent repair.

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How to Know If Your Brick Needs Repointing
Brick repointing becomes necessary when mortar joints begin to deteriorate and can no longer protect the masonry from moisture and structural movement. Because mortar is designed to be the sacrificial element of a brick wall, it will naturally wear down over time due to weather exposure, moisture, and temperature changes.

In coastal environments like Wilmington, North Carolina, mortar joints can deteriorate faster due to salt air, humidity, and frequent rainfall. As the mortar weakens, small cracks or gaps begin to appear between the bricks. These openings allow moisture to penetrate the wall, which can eventually lead to brick damage, spalling, interior moisture problems, and structural deterioration.

One of the simplest ways to evaluate mortar condition is to examine the joints closely. If the mortar crumbles easily when scraped with a screwdriver or appears recessed deeper than the surface of the brick, the wall may require repointing. Addressing mortar deterioration early helps prevent more extensive brick repair and protects the long-term integrity of the masonry.
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If you notice failing mortar joints, loose bricks, or visible gaps between bricks, a professional masonry inspection can determine whether localized repair or full brick repointing is required.

​“We serve Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Leland, Southport, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Calabash, Kure Beach, and all nearby coastal communities.”

Brick repointing is required when mortar joints have deteriorated to the point where moisture intrusion, joint failure, or structural weakness can no longer be prevented with spot repairs.

Request a Free Brick Repointing Quote

Brick repointing in Wilmington, NC is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and long-term durability of brick homes exposed to coastal weather. Over time, moisture, salt air, and temperature changes cause mortar joints to deteriorate, allowing water to penetrate the masonry and weaken the brickwork. Professional brick repointing restores failing mortar joints, prevents water intrusion, and protects brick walls, chimneys, steps, and porches from costly damage. Our coastal masonry repointing services are specifically designed for Wilmington and surrounding beach communities, using proper materials and techniques that preserve both the strength and original appearance of your brickwork.

Professional Brick Repointing Services in Wilmington NC

Brick repointing addresses failing mortar joints. When bricks are cracked, loose, or deteriorated, brick repair or replacement is required before repointing can be performed

What Is Brick Repointing?

Also known as brick joint repair or mortar joint restoration.

Brick repointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from masonry joints and replacing it with new, durable mortar to restore strength, seal out moisture, and protect the structure. In coastal areas like Wilmington, North Carolina, repointing is especially important due to constant exposure to moisture, salt air, and shifting weather conditions that accelerate mortar erosion.
Brick repointing is one of the most important procedures used in professional masonry repair, restoring deteriorated mortar joints and protecting the structure from further moisture intrusion.
During professional repointing, failing mortar is carefully removed to the proper depth so new mortar can bond correctly. When completed properly, repointing restores structural integrity while maintaining the original appearance of the masonry.

Brick Tuckpointing vs Brick Repointing
Homeowners often hear the terms tuckpointing and repointing used interchangeably, but they are actually different masonry techniques.
Brick repointing is the structural repair of deteriorated mortar joints. The process involves carefully removing damaged or failing mortar and replacing it with new mortar that restores strength, weather resistance, and protection against moisture intrusion. Repointing is necessary when mortar joints have cracked, crumbled, or separated from the brick.
Tuckpointing, on the other hand, is primarily a decorative masonry technique. Traditional tuckpointing uses two different colors of mortar. First, mortar that closely matches the color of the brick is installed into the joint. Then a thin line of contrasting mortar is applied to create the appearance of very fine, uniform joints. This technique was historically used to improve the visual appearance of masonry.
While tuckpointing can enhance the appearance of brickwork, repointing focuses on restoring the structural integrity of the mortar joints. In most residential masonry repairs, what homeowners refer to as tuckpointing is actually repointing.
If mortar joints on your brick home are cracked, crumbling, or allowing moisture to enter the wall, professional brick repointing is the proper repair solution.

Why Brick Repointing Is Critical in Coastal North Carolina

Homes in Wilmington and surrounding coastal communities face conditions that cause mortar to deteriorate much faster than inland properties. Salt air penetrates mortar joints, breaking down binding agents, while high humidity and frequent rainfall keep masonry damp for extended periods. Seasonal temperature changes further stress mortar joints, leading to cracking, crumbling, and separation.
​Once mortar begins to fail, water intrusion follows. This moisture can lead to brick cracking, spalling, internal wall damage, and long-term structural issues. In most cases, brick damage begins with neglected mortar joints.

Mortar Joint Repair & Color Matching

One of the most important aspects of brick repointing is proper mortar selection and color matching. Because mortar naturally weathers over time, achieving an exact color match is rarely possible. Experienced masons custom-blend mortar to closely match existing joints—often slightly darker—so the repaired area blends naturally as it cures.
Usually in many cases, If 20% or more of the mortar joints in a specific area have failed, repointing the entire section is usually recommended to avoid a patchy or inconsistent appearance.

Masonry repair is not a one-size-fits-all process.
There are many techniques, developed and refined over decades, that form the standardized methodology for proper masonry work. Using the correct materials and proven techniques is essential to ensure durability and long-term performance. At Cary Masonry, we follow these established practices to complete each project correctly, rather than relying on temporary or shortcut solutions.
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Our Brick Repointing Process

Our brick repointing process is designed to restore both the appearance and durability of your masonry. We begin with a detailed evaluation of existing mortar conditions, identifying areas weakened by age, moisture, or coastal exposure. Deteriorated mortar is carefully removed to prevent damage to surrounding brick.
​We then mix a custom mortar blend matched to your home’s original color, texture, and hardness. New mortar is compacted and tooled for maximum strength, water resistance, and longevity. This process restores the masonry’s protective barrier and reinforces structural integrity.

Benefits of Professional Brick Repointing

Professional brick repointing provides long-term protection that surface patching or DIY repairs cannot achieve. Properly executed repointing seals out moisture, restores structural strength, and protects masonry from ongoing deterioration caused by salt air and coastal weather.
Benefits of Professional Repointing:
• Seals out moisture and salt air
• Extends brick life
• Improves structural strength
• Enhances curb appeal

​For Wilmington homeowners, brick repointing strengthens walls, steps, porches, chimneys, and foundations while preventing costly future repairs. In addition to structural benefits, repointing improves curb appeal, preserves property value, and significantly extends the lifespan of brick masonry—making it one of the most cost-effective maintenance investments for coastal homes.

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When bricks themselves are cracked, loose, or deteriorated, brick repair is required before repointing can be performed.

Brick Step and Porch Repair

Brick steps and porches are common areas for structural movement and mortar failure.
We repoint and selectively repair mortar joints, brick steps, entryways, and porches to restore safety, drainage,
and long-term durability.
 In some cases, deteriorated mortar can lead to movement in entryways, including brick steps and porch structures.

Some projects require structural repair before repointing is completed.
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★★★★★ Cary Masonry rebuilt our front brick steps and they came out amazing. Carmen was extremely careful and the steps are even better than the originals.
Anne and Bill Werdel 
​See more Testimonials

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Why Choose Cary Masonry

Cary Masonry specializes in brick repointing and masonry repair tailored to the coastal climate of North Carolina. With over 40 years of hands-on experience, we use proven methods, compatible materials, and detailed craftsmanship to deliver durable, long-lasting results.
​Our goal is simple: restore your brickwork so it looks original, performs properly, and withstands Wilmington’s harsh coastal environment for decades to come.

Brick Repointing FAQs

See Brick Repair FAQ

​Living in a coastal environment like Wilmington means your brick mortar joints face constant exposure to salt air, moisture, shifting temperatures, and heavy winds—conditions that cause mortar to weaken and deteriorate much faster than in inland homes. Professional masonry mortar joint repair for coastal homes restores the protective barrier that keeps water from entering your brickwork and prevents long-term structural damage. At Cary Masonry, we use specialized coastal-grade mortars designed to resist salt intrusion and moisture penetration, ensuring a longer-lasting repair. Whether your mortar is cracking, crumbling, or allowing water to seep behind your brick, our expert repair process reinforces the integrity of your steps, porches, walls, and chimneys while maintaining the original appearance of your home. Proper joint repair is one of the most important investments a coastal homeowner can make to protect against erosion, settling, and expensive future rebuilds.

Brick Repointing 

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Brick Repointing Frequently Asked Questions

What is brick repointing?

Brick repointing is the process of removing deteriorated or damaged mortar from masonry joints and replacing it with new, properly matched mortar. This restores strength, prevents moisture intrusion, and extends the life of brick masonry.

How do I know if my brick needs repointing?

Common signs include crumbling or missing mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks, interior moisture issues, and visible gaps between bricks. Homes in coastal areas often need repointing sooner due to moisture and salt exposure.

Is tuckpointing the same as repointing?

Tuckpointing is a decorative technique that uses contrasting mortar colors to create clean joint lines, while repointing focuses on restoring the structural integrity of mortar joints. Many homeowners use the terms interchangeably, but professional repointing prioritizes durability.

How long does brick repointing last?

When performed correctly using proper mortar types and techniques, brick repointing can last 30 to 50 years or longer. Coastal conditions may affect lifespan, which is why proper materials and installation are critical.

Can brick repointing prevent water damage?

Yes. Properly repointed mortar joints help seal out moisture, reduce water penetration, and prevent long-term damage to brick, foundations, and interior walls.

Do I need brick repair or full repointing?

Some homes require minor mortar joint repairs, while others need full repointing. A professional masonry inspection can determine whether spot repairs or complete repointing is the safest and most cost-effective solution.

See More Brick Repair FAQ

We also provide expert Brick Repair and Stone Repair for homes throughout Wilmington and surrounding coastal areas.

Curious how our quote-to-completion process works? View our Project Roadmap

Brick Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is different than repointing and is a way of using two colors of mortar joints, with one colored mortar matching the bricks installed first and the adding another mortar color on top of the first color to create a contrasting joint. This gives it an artificial impression that very fine joints are made.

• Request a Free Brick Repointing EvaluatioN

The Details are in the Design