When does brickwork need repointing?

Brickwork usually needs repointing when mortar is cracked, missing, sandy, recessed, or allowing water into the wall. A proper review can confirm whether repointing, brick replacement, or a larger repair is needed.

Can damaged brick be matched?

In many cases replacement brick and mortar can be selected to blend closely with the existing masonry. Older homes may require extra care with colour, texture, and mortar type.

Restoration & repair

Brick, block, stone, and mortar repairs that stop deterioration before it spreads.

Mills Masonry Restoration handles brick repair, stone repair, cracked mortar, step cracks, falling brick replacement, parging, window sill repair, brick around the foundation, and exterior masonry for Waubaushene, Barrie, North Bay, north Simcoe, and Georgian Bay properties, including tuckpointing and structural stone repairs.

Call 705-818-1660 Service Areas

Repair scope

Repairs that solve the visible damage and any potential problems behind it.

Masonry damage often starts small: a washed-out joint, a step crack, a little crack in your sill, spalling brick, bricks peeling near a downspout, or brick face falling off after winter. Mills Masonry Restoration looks at the full area in person so the repair is practical, durable, and visually consistent.

Repointing, tuckpointing, and mortar joint repair.
Brick and block work repair with falling brick replacement where needed.
Exterior masonry, parging, and water-entry repairs.
Stone repair and masonry at the base of the home, with the focus kept on visible brick and exterior masonry.
Window sill repair and replacement, plus masonry opening adjustments.

Spalling brick replacement

Century-home brick repair that fixes the damage without flattening the character.

On this 1904 home, damaged and spalling brick was carefully removed, replaced, and tooled to match the existing joint profile. The result protects the wall while keeping the original rhythm of the brickwork, so the repair reads as skilled restoration instead of a rough patch.

Selective removal of failed brick faces and loose masonry.
Replacement brick laid to follow the original wall bond.
Joints tooled to match the existing profile and shadow lines.
Finished for strength, weather protection, and curb appeal on an older home.

1904 century homeSpalling brick replacementMatched joint profileHistorical repair

Finished replacement brick on a 1904 century home with tooled mortar joints — Replacement brick tooled to follow the existing joint profile.

Spalling brick damage on the upper wall of a century home before repair — Failed faces and open damage before removal.

Damaged bricks removed from a century home wall before replacement — Damaged brick cut out cleanly before rebuilding.

Inspect the damage

Identify failed mortar, brick movement, water paths, and weak surrounding material.

Remove failed work

Damaged material is cut out cleanly so the repair has a sound base.

Rebuild and blend

Brick, stone, and mortar are finished to suit the existing property.

Is repointing enough for damaged masonry?

Sometimes. If the brick or stone is still sound, repointing can restore the joint and reduce water entry. If units are cracked, loose, or spalling, replacement may be needed too.

Should I repair masonry before winter?

Open joints and cracked brick can take on water before freeze and thaw cycles. If the damage is active, it is worth having it reviewed before colder weather.