Roofing & exterior services
Brick & Masonry Repair in the Lake Livingston Area
Brick steps repaired, worn mortar joints tuckpointed and chimney cracks fixed, before water works its way in.
Brick lasts, if the mortar does
Brick itself can last a very long time, but the mortar between the bricks wears out sooner. As joints erode and cracks open, water gets in, loosens bricks and damages what is behind them. Steps crack and shift, and chimneys develop cracks where they are most exposed to weather.
Onalaska Builders repairs brick and masonry with our own crews.
Masonry repair includes:
- Repairing brick and masonry steps
- Tuckpointing mortar joints
- Fixing cracks in chimneys
Tuckpointing
What tuckpointing is and when you need it
Tuckpointing means removing worn, crumbling mortar from the joints and packing in fresh mortar. It restores the wall's ability to shed water and helps it look sharp again.
Signs your mortar needs attention:
- Mortar that crumbles or turns to sand when scratched
- Joints recessed well behind the face of the brick
- Gaps, holes or missing mortar
- Loose bricks
- Damp spots on interior walls behind brick
Matching the color and texture of the existing mortar matters so repairs blend in.
Steps
Brick and masonry steps
Steps take foot traffic, weather and water every day. Loose bricks, cracked treads and shifting steps are trip hazards as well as eyesores. Repairs can involve resetting loose bricks, repointing joints and addressing what is causing the movement, such as water collecting at the base.
If steps have become hard to use, a ramp or railing may help. For settling around the house, see drainage solutions.
Cracks
Chimney and brick wall cracks
- Chimney cracks let water into the chimney and the house around it. The chimney crown, mortar joints and flashing where the chimney meets the roof are common trouble spots. See roof repair for flashing.
- Hairline cracks in mortar are common and usually addressed by repointing.
- Stair-step cracks that follow the mortar joints diagonally, or cracks that keep growing, can point to foundation movement and are worth having looked at.
If you use your fireplace, have the chimney's flue inspected by a chimney professional as well; that is separate from exterior masonry repair.
Lake and timber country
Masonry repair around Lake Livingston
Heavy rain, humidity and seasonal ground movement all take a toll on brick in East Texas. We repair brick and masonry within about 35 miles of Onalaska, including Livingston, Point Blank, Coldspring, Shepherd, Groveton, Trinity, Huntsville, Cleveland and Willis. See our full service area.
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Questions
Masonry & Brickwork questions
What is tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing is removing worn, crumbling mortar from between bricks and packing in fresh mortar, which restores the wall's ability to shed water.
Are cracks in my brick wall serious?
Hairline cracks in mortar are common and usually repaired by repointing. Stair-step cracks along the joints, or cracks that keep growing, can point to foundation movement and are worth having looked at.
Do you repair chimneys?
We fix cracks in chimney masonry. If you use your fireplace, have the flue inspected by a chimney professional as well, since that is separate from exterior masonry repair.
How do I get an estimate for masonry repair?
Call (806) 480-0328 or send the estimate form with the town or ZIP code and what needs repair, such as steps, mortar joints or a chimney. Photos help.
Get started
Brick or mortar crumbling?
Tell us what you are seeing and where it is. Send the form or give us a call.