Tuckpointing & Repointing in Montreal
Mortar joints are the weakest but most important part of any brick or stone wall. In Montreal’s freeze thaw climate, once those joints crack, crumble, or wash out, water gets in, bricks start to fail, and interior damage follows.
Longfield Masonry specializes in professional tuckpointing and repointing that restores the strength, weather resistance, and appearance of your masonry without damaging older materials.
What Is Repointing? What Is Tuckpointing?
Repointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from between bricks or stones and packing in new mortar. It is primarily functional stopping water penetration and restoring the wall’s integrity.
Tuckpointing is a more detailed finishing technique where contrasting mortar lines are used to create crisp, sharp joints for a cleaner or more decorative look. In many cases, people use the word “tuckpointing” when they really mean repointing.
At Longfield Masonry, we do both structural repointing and clean finishing that looks sharp from the street.
Tuckpointing & Repointing in Montreal
Historic & Soft Brick Repointing
Older Montreal buildings often use softer brick and limebased mortars. Using modern, overly hard mortars can crack the brick instead of protecting it. For heritage or older structures, we
Select mortar mixes that work with older materials
Match color and texture so repairs blend in
Use joint profiles appropriate to the building’s style
Aesthetic Tuckpointing
Where appearance matters front facades, decorative walls, or visible elevations we can finish joints more cleanly, giving a sharper and more uniform look. This is especially effective after localized repairs and brick replacement.
How We Do It (Our Process)
Inspection & Diagnosis
We examine the wall to determine if the problem is only mortar failure or if there are deeper structural or water issues that must be addressed at the same time.Mortar Analysis & Matching
For older or visible facades, we assess the existing mortar’s hardness, color, and texture so the new joints are compatible and visually consistent.Removal of Old Mortar
We carefully grind or chisel out deteriorated mortar to sufficient depth, avoiding damage to brick or stone edges.Repointing & Finishing
Fresh mortar is packed into the joints in layers, compacted properly, and tooled to the chosen joint profile. On visible facades, we pay extra attention to neatness and alignment.Cleanup & Final Review
Joints are brushed and cleaned, and we walk you through the repaired sections, pointing out what was done and what to monitor over time.
Why Proper Repointing Matters
Done incorrectly, repointing can cause more damage than leaving the wall alone. Common mistakes include
Using mortar that is too hard or dense for older brick
Only filling the outer edge of the joint (face pointing)
Smearing mortar over the face of bricks
Ignoring underlying structural movement or water issues
Our approach avoids these shortcuts. We repair joints as part of the entire wall system structure, moisture, and materials.
Why Choose Longfield Masonry for Tuckpointing & Repointing?
Experience with both modern and heritage Montreal masonry
Understanding of how local weather and salts attack joints
Careful material selection to protect, not punish, older brick and stone
Honest recommendations if more than just repointing is needed
When to Call
Contact Longfield Masonry if
Your mortar joints look eroded, cracked, or hollow
You see repeated leaks from the same sections of wall
You are planning exterior work and want to protect the structure first
You own an older or heritage building and want joints restored properly
Stop water at the joints before it becomes a structural problem.
GET A TUCKPOINTING & REPOINTING or any other masonry ESTIMATE
Call (438) 861-9115 to talk through what you’re seeing on your walls.
Masonry contractor in Montréal specializing in brick, stone, and chimney repairs, historic restoration, and custom masonry.
Longfield masonry, 5220 Queen mary rd, (438)-861-9115