Repointing & Tuckpointing
Worn, cracked or missing mortar cut out of brick and stone joints and refilled, with the mortar, the cutting method and dust control set out in the quote.
About $10–$30 per sq ft of wall, most quotes $15–$25; more for upper storeys and about $15–$45 for heritage lime work (published Ontario contractor pricing, 2025–26; yours will differ). Scaffolding can add about $500–$3,000.
Find a MasonAbout Repointing & Tuckpointing
Repointing means cutting worn mortar out of the joints of a brick or stone wall and packing in new mortar (also called tuckpointing). Ontario's Building Code sets mortar types and a 10 mm joint for new brick work, but we found no Code clause written for repointing existing joints, and none that requires lime mortar.
For older brick, the guidance comes from Ottawa's heritage district plans. The Centretown and Minto Park plan says lime-based mortar should be used on historic brick because cement mortar "prevents moisture from escaping through the mortar and causes brick damage", and asks that the colour and joint profile be matched. Ask your mason which mortar they propose, and why.
Repointing is not named on the City's building permit list or on its list of exempt projects, so ask the City if you are unsure. On a designated heritage property or in a heritage district, the City's permit exemptions do not apply; see Heritage Masonry.
Grinding out mortar makes silica dust. Ontario's silica guideline classes "tuckpoint and surface grinding" as a Type 2 operation, and controlling it is the contractor's duty. Ask how the joints will be cut, how dust is controlled and how debris is cleaned up.
Published Ontario contractor pricing for 2025–26 puts repointing at about $10 to $30 per square foot of wall, most often $15 to $25, with more for upper storeys and about $15 to $45 for heritage lime work. Scaffolding can add about $500 to $3,000. Yours will differ.
What This Work Covers
- Worn and cracked joints cut out and refilled
- Mortar type and colour stated in the quote
- Lime-based mortar for historic brick where the job calls for it
- Joint-cutting method and dust control set out in writing
- Scaffolding and debris disposal priced as their own lines
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What this work costs
Common questions about repointing & tuckpointing
- How do Ottawa masons price stone wall repair on an old house?
- Lime mortar repointing on a Centretown rowhouse, price range?
- Finding an Ottawa mason who repoints with lime mortar?
- How much does repointing a brick bungalow cost in Kanata?
- Should old Ottawa brick get lime mortar or Portland cement mortar?
- Why is only the bottom row of my brick spalling in Barrhaven?
- Upper-storey repointing quotes in Ottawa run higher, why?
- Stone wall repair on an old Ottawa farmhouse, what's involved?
Other Masonry Services
Spalled Brick Replacement
Bricks with flaking, popped or broken faces cut out and replaced with matching units, with the cause of the damage discussed before the patch.
Stone & Brick Veneer
Natural stone, manufactured stone and brick veneer installed or repaired, with ties, flashing and weep holes built to Ontario's Building Code.
Heritage Masonry
Repointing and repair of historic brick and stone in Ottawa's heritage districts and on designated properties, following the district plan.
Brick & Stone Steps
Brick and natural stone entrance steps built, rebuilt or repaired, with the footing, the permit question and the City licence asked about up front.
Brick & Stone Garden Walls
Freestanding brick and stone walls that do not hold back soil, built or repaired, with height limits and the City licence asked about first.
Stone Wall Repair
Loose, missing and cracked stones in the natural stone walls of a house reset and repointed above ground, with the mortar and permit question settled first.
Ready to Get Started?
Tell us about your repointing & tuckpointing job and we will send it to local masons in Ottawa. They reply by email.