Brick pointing — also known as tuckpointing or repointing — is one of the most important maintenance services for any masonry building. EM Construction’s skilled pointing crews restore deteriorated mortar joints throughout New York and New Jersey, protecting your building from water infiltration and structural damage.
Mortar is not permanent. Exposure to freeze-thaw cycles, rain, pollution, and UV radiation gradually erodes mortar joints, leaving gaps that allow water to enter the wall assembly. Once water penetrates the joint, it accelerates brick deterioration, causes efflorescence, and can ultimately lead to structural instability. Timely repointing is one of the most cost-effective investments a building owner can make.
What Is Brick Pointing?
Pointing involves removing the outer layer of deteriorated mortar from existing joints — typically to a depth of 3/4 to 1 inch — and replacing it with new mortar that matches the original in composition, color, and joint profile. This process restores the watertight seal between bricks while preserving the surrounding masonry.
Our Brick Pointing Services
Full Facade Repointing
For buildings where mortar joints have deteriorated across a large portion of the facade, we perform systematic full-facade repointing, working from top to bottom to ensure complete, consistent coverage.
Spot Repointing
When deterioration is limited to isolated areas, targeted spot repointing addresses problem joints without the cost of a full facade treatment. This approach is ideal for buildings recently inspected under Local Law 11 / FISP requirements.
Historic Mortar Matching
Older buildings often have softer, lime-based mortars that must be matched precisely to avoid trapping moisture and causing spalling. We analyze existing mortar and formulate compatible mixes for historic masonry restoration.
Chimney Repointing
Chimney mortar is subject to extreme temperature swings and direct weather exposure. We repoint chimney stacks and caps using high-temperature-resistant mortar appropriate for this demanding application.
Parapet Wall Pointing
Parapets are among the most exposed masonry elements on any building. We repoint parapet walls and install flashing at the base to prevent the water penetration that commonly causes parapet failures.
Lintel & Sill Pointing
Mortar joints around window lintels and sills are frequent failure points. Our team seals these critical transitions to stop the water intrusion that damages interiors and corrodes steel lintels.
Signs Your Building Needs Repointing
– Mortar joints that are cracked, crumbling, or recessed more than 1/4 inch
– White staining (efflorescence) on brick surfaces
– Water stains or dampness on interior walls after rain
– Spalled or delaminating bricks adjacent to joints
– Failed NYC Local Law 11 / FISP inspection
The EM Construction Pointing Process
1. Scaffold or Swing Stage Setup — Safe, code-compliant access to all areas requiring work.
2. Joint Raking — Deteriorated mortar is removed with angle grinders, chisels, and raking tools to the required depth.
3. Joint Preparation — Dust and debris are removed with compressed air and water to ensure a clean bonding surface.
4. Mortar Selection & Mixing — We formulate mortar to the appropriate type (Type N for most facades, Type S for high-exposure areas) and color-match to existing brick.
5. Pointing Application — New mortar is packed firmly into joints and tooled to the original profile (concave, flush, weathered, or rodded).
6. Curing — Newly pointed sections are kept moist during the curing period to develop full strength.
7. Clean-Up — Mortar smears are cleaned from brick faces with appropriate masonry cleaners.
Local Law 11 / FISP Compliance
New York City’s Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP, formerly Local Law 11) requires periodic inspection of all buildings taller than six stories. Our pointing crews are experienced in completing the repairs identified in FISP reports, and we work with qualified engineers to document the completed work for filing with the NYC Department of Buildings.
Service Areas
EM Construction provides brick pointing services throughout all five New York City boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, and northern New Jersey.
Get a Free Estimate
Don’t let deteriorated mortar joints compromise your building’s integrity or safety. Contact EM Construction today for a professional evaluation and a free pointing estimate.