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Chimney Masonry Repair & Repointing in New Jersey
Brick can last a very long time; the mortar between the bricks does not. When mortar joints crumble, water gets into the chimney, bricks loosen, and damage spreads faster each winter. AM Chimney Sweep repoints mortar joints and repairs damaged chimney masonry for homeowners throughout New Jersey.
What is repointing?
Repointing, often called tuckpointing, means removing old, deteriorated mortar from the joints between bricks and replacing it with new mortar. It restores the chimney’s weather resistance and keeps bricks firmly in place, without replacing sound brick.
Signs your chimney needs masonry work
- Mortar that is sandy, crumbly, recessed or missing between bricks
- Bricks with flaking or broken faces (spalling)
- Loose bricks, or pieces of brick and mortar on the roof or in the gutters
- White, powdery staining (efflorescence), a sign of water moving through the masonry
- A chimney that appears to lean or pull away from the house
Tip: Not every leak near a chimney is a masonry problem. A cracked crown, missing cap or failed flashing can look the same. We inspect first to find the actual source before recommending repointing.
What repointing involves
- Inspect the whole chimney, including the crown, cap and flashing
- Find where water is getting in and how far the damage goes
- Remove deteriorated mortar to a consistent depth without damaging surrounding brick
- Clean the joints
- Pack in new mortar and tool it to match the existing joint style
Tip: Masonry work is backed by our five-year workmanship warranty. Read about our Rumson masonry project and more in Our Work.
Not every leak is a masonry problem
Water near a chimney can also come from:
- A cracked crown
- A missing cap
- Worn mortar joints
- Failed flashing
Safety note: Repointing only fixes a leak if the mortar is actually the source, which is why we inspect first.
Related guides
- Chimney repair vs. partial or full rebuilding
- Chimney waterproofing and water-damaged masonry
- Flashing repair and roof leaks
Where we do this work
Local guides: Glen Ridge, Teaneck, Mountain Lakes, or see all North Jersey towns.
Questions
What is repointing?
Repointing, also called tuckpointing, means removing old, deteriorated mortar from the joints between bricks and replacing it with new mortar. It restores the chimney’s weather resistance and keeps the bricks firmly in place without replacing sound brick.
What are the signs my chimney needs repointing?
Common signs include mortar that is sandy, crumbly, recessed or missing between bricks; bricks with flaking or broken faces; loose bricks or pieces of brick and mortar on the roof or in the gutters; white, powdery staining (efflorescence); and a chimney that appears to lean or pull away from the house.
Will repointing stop my chimney from leaking?
Only if the mortar is actually the source. Water near a chimney can also come from a cracked crown, a missing cap or failed flashing, which is why we inspect the whole chimney first to find where the water is really getting in.
Do you inspect the chimney before repointing?
Yes. We inspect the whole chimney, including the crown, cap and flashing, to find where water is getting in and how far the damage goes before recommending repointing.
Is your masonry work guaranteed?
Yes. Our masonry work is backed by a five-year workmanship warranty.
Related services
Is your chimney mortar crumbling?
Book online, or call and tell us what you are seeing.