Mortar joints sitting back from the brick face on my Kanata house?

Joints that sit back from the brick face are a sign that the mortar has receded or eroded, leaving a gap between the mortar surface and the plane of the brick. A mason looking at the wall can tell you how far back the joints have gone and whether repointing is the right response.

Published Ontario contractor pricing, 2025–26 puts repointing at about $10 to $30 per sq ft of wall, with the middle of the published ranges around $15 to $25. Your quote will differ depending on how much of the wall is affected, how high the work reaches, and whether scaffolding is needed.

A few things shape what the job involves. The depth of the recess matters: joints that have pulled back only a few millimetres are a different scope than joints that are crumbling or hollow behind the face. The mortar type matters too. The Centretown Heritage Conservation District plan notes that cement mortar prevents moisture from escaping through the joint and can cause brick damage, but that plan applies in its own district. If the house is not designated or in a heritage conservation district, the Ontario Building Code (9.20.3.1.(1)) requires mortar to conform to CSA A179; for exterior above-grade non-loadbearing walls, Table 9.20.3.2.-A allows Type N or S mortar. The Code has no rule requiring lime mortar or mortar matched to the existing joint; that comes from heritage district plans and masonry practice where they apply.

Ask the mason how the old mortar will be removed and how dust will be controlled on site, since cutting or grinding mortar joints generates silica dust, a regulated workplace hazard.

A fair written quote for this job should cover the area of wall being repointed, the height and whether scaffolding or a lift is needed, the mortar type and colour match to the existing joints, the joint profile, how the old mortar is cut out, cleanup and disposal, and a written warranty.

Before you sign, ask the mason what mortar type and joint profile they plan to use, and whether the colour has been matched to your existing brick.