Your local chimney mason for repairs in Coytown

Prehydrating repointing mortar

Prehydration is the brick industry's recommendation for repointing mortar, because it cuts down on shrinkage. The dry ingredients are mixed with just enough water to hold a shape when squeezed, left to stand for about an hour to an hour and a half, then brought to a workable, drier-than-usual consistency.

It is a small step that makes a real difference to how the finished joint holds. We follow it on repointing work rather than mixing and placing straight from the bag.

Repointing the whole affected area

It can be hard to tell exactly which joints are letting water in. The brick industry's maintenance guidance advises repointing every joint across the affected area of wall instead of chasing single joints.

On a chimney, that usually means a defined band or face rather than scattered spots. We mark the affected area in the estimate and explain why it was drawn where it was, so you are not paying for the whole chimney when only part of it needs work. The boundary usually follows a natural line, such as a corner or the roofline, so the repair reads as deliberate.

Agreeing on the finish before work begins

The finished look of a masonry repair depends on the brick match, the mortar color, the joint profile and how much of the chimney is involved. None of those is perfect on an old chimney.

We talk through what the repaired area should look like before the work starts, using the samples and the existing masonry as the reference. Agreeing on that up front is part of how we keep the 100% satisfaction guarantee meaningful. Where a perfect match is not possible, we tell you before work starts, not when the scaffolding comes down.

Questions worth asking before you approve masonry work

A sound masonry proposal should answer each of these clearly. If one gets a vague answer, ask again, since each affects how the repair performs and what it includes.

• What is causing the damage, and is it fixed by this repair?
• Where exactly does the repair area start and stop?
• Which mortar type is proposed, and why?
• How close will the brick and mortar match be?
• What happens if more damage turns up?
• Which separate repairs, if any, are recommended?