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How much does Repointing cost?

Average Price
$500 to $3,500

What is the price of Repointing?

Is your property in need of repointing but you’re not sure how much it will cost? Read our handy guide to find out how much your builder will charge for their services.

What is Repointing?

Buildings that are made from brick are held together with mortar. Repointing is the process of removing old mortar in brickwork and refilling it with new mortar. 

Over time, mortar can disintegrate due to the weather or the age of the building. As well as looking unsightly, damaged or missing mortar can make your property more susceptible to moisture making its way into the building. If this happens, it can lead to a damp and cold property, plus potential damage to its foundations. 

Having repointing done will instantly refresh the look of your property while future-proofing it against various moisture-related conditions. Repointing must be carried out by a trained professional to ensure the new mortar is applied correctly and neatly. Repointing can be carried out on any building that is made from brick or stone, with older properties commonly in need of the service. 

How much does Repointing cost? 

The cost of repointing starts at $500 for smaller jobs and up to $3,500 for substantial projects. The average cost is $2,500 nationally.

Average cost of Repointing
Average cost $2,500
Minimum cost$500
Maximum cost$3,500

When working out the cost of repointing, your contractor will factor in the size of the area they need to work with. Plus, the accessibility of the building, as scaffolding is usually required. 

The cost will cover the raking out of the old mortar and the application of the new mortar, which includes the smoothing out process. 

There are various smoothing out techniques the contractor can use which will affect the finish of the job, though certain methods can be more expensive if they take longer to complete. 

What changes the price of Repointing? 

The cost of repointing varies depending on several factors, including:

  • Size of job

  • Condition of the masonry 

  • Materials used

  • Scaffolding

  • Pointing style

  • Experience

  • Location

The job size

The job size will impact the cost of repointing the most since it will determine how much materials, time, and labor will be required.

Smaller jobs of around 10 sq feet cost anywhere between $175 and $250 to complete. This increases to $15,000 for 3,000 sq ft. 

Average cost of Repointing based on the job size
Size of jobHighest average priceLowest average price
10 sq ft$250$175
50 sq ft $1,000$800
100 sq ft$1,500$1,000
500 sq ft$2,500$2,000
1,000 sq ft$5,000$3,500
2,000 sq ft$10,000$7,500
3,000 sq ft$15,000$12,000

It may work out cheaper to cover larger areas of brickwork, versus working in small areas at once. For example, repointing your chimney and walls at once to save costs.

Condition of the masonry

The damage to your mortar might be worse in some places, and non-existent in others. Where possible, get repointing done as soon as you notice an issue. Otherwise, if the problem is left to get particularly bad, it will cost more to remedy. 

Materials used

There are various types of mortar available that can be used for repointing. Each has different suitability and costs associated, so ask your contractor what the options would be for your particular property.  

Scaffolding

Scaffolding is almost always required for any repointing job since your builder will need to scale up high to complete the work. Though, the cost of the scaffolding will usually be included as part of the overall quote.

Pointing style 

Pointing can be completed in a variety of finishes to match the style of the building. You may also have a preference based on your taste.

Styles of pointing include:

  • Flush pointing

  • Weathered pointing

  • Keyed pointing

  • V-groove pointing

  • Beaded pointing

  • Struck pointing

  • Recessed pointing

  • Tuckpointing

Some styles are more difficult to complete than others. If so, they will require more time, expertise, and possibly labor and will cost more than simpler styles. 

Experience

Anyone who undertakes repointing should be a qualified contractor. However, there is also a huge difference between someone who is newly qualified and a builder with decades of experience. 

When it comes to repointing heritage properties, in particular, not all builders will have the experience to work with the quirks and demands of the building. So consider the experience of the professional carefully, instead of going on price alone. 

Location

With a 20sq wall in mind, the cheapest place for repointing is Colorado, with an average cost of $846 across the state.

The most expensive location is New York at $1,462, closely followed by California at $1,100. The cost of labor is much higher in both locations, which is why repointing is more expensive versus the rest of the country. 

Average cost of Repointing based on the location (based on a 20 sq ft wall)
LocationAverage repointing cost
California$1,100
Texas$1,000
New York$1,462
Wisconsin$1,096
Colorado$846

It’s possible to alter the cost by choosing a different mortar type, which can help you manage the cost of the project. Keep in mind, the mortar type will need to suit the style of the building, and there may be limitations in place for protected buildings.

Is it worth getting Repointing?

For buildings that are made of brick, the mortar is quite literally the glue that holds the entire structure together. If you’ve noticed the mortar on your property has broken off or worn down, then it’s time to take action. It is not recommended to complete repointing or retucking unless you’re an expert, as you could cause further damage to the structure of the building. By having repointing carried out by a professional, you will enhance the look of the property while protecting it from serious issues. When completed to a high standard, repointing can last up to 50 years making it a worthwhile investment into your property. 

Find the best professional for the job on Bark today. 

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