Community FAQ
These are the questions we hear most often from building owners, property managers, and facility teams facing masonry or concrete repair decisions. We answer them based on research, professional standards, and conversations with practitioners in the field.
The Questions
How do I know if my brick really needs repointing?
Brick mortar typically lasts 25–40 years depending on climate and the original mix. If mortar is crumbling when you scratch it with a coin, water is running down the facade, or you see daylight through the joints, repointing is due. A professional assessment costs far less than water damage inside the building.
Can I use any contractor, or does the contractor need special training?
On historic buildings, yes—the contractor needs training. Modern mortar formulas are often too hard and too waterproof for old masonry; using the wrong mix can cause more damage than the original problem. On contemporary buildings, the standard is less strict, but masonry is still specialized work.
How much should this cost, and why do prices vary so much?
Labor and materials are the main variables. A small façade on a single-story building costs differently than 500 linear feet of historic stonework. Travel time matters, too. Get three quotes and compare scope, not just price—they may be quoting different work.
How to Work Through It Yourself
- Identify what needs work. Walk your building with photos. Note crumbling mortar, stains, cracks, and water paths. This becomes your scope.
- Research the building’s age and history. If it was built before 1920, it may be historic masonry with special requirements. Check your city’s historic register.
- Get references from contractors. Ask for projects on buildings similar in age and material. Call those references.
- Ask about standards. Request that the contractor explain what mortar specification they plan to use and why it suits your building.
- Get it in writing. A scope of work, timeline, warranty, and payment schedule protect both parties.
What the Data Says
| Repair Type | Typical Lifespan | Cost Range (per sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| Brick repointing | 25–40 years | $8–$20 |
| Concrete sealing | 3–7 years | $2–$5 |
| Facade cleaning | Cosmetic only | $1–$3 |
| Stone replacement | 75+ years | $50–$150 |
Note: Costs vary by region, building access, and material condition. These are general guidance ranges from 2024 industry data.
Where These Questions Come From
Real conversations with property teams
These questions represent months of conversations with building owners who have called a contractor only to discover they did not know the right questions to ask. Most property managers manage multiple buildings and cannot develop deep expertise in every trade. The goal of this page is to close that gap.
Building restoration is not an emergency decision. It is better made slowly, with good information, than quickly under pressure. Decisions made in a panic often result in hasty choices that create new problems—either through rushing into the wrong solution or through hiring a contractor without proper vetting. This FAQ is meant to slow that process down, to help you ask the right questions before you make the call.
If you have a question not answered here, the network we work with is always happy to point you toward the right resource. We maintain relationships with preservation specialists, building scientists, and contractors across the region, and we are glad to help buildings find the expertise they need.