If you live in a brick home, or even just love the charm of exposed masonry, you probably know how important mortar is to the look and longevity of your space. It’s what holds those beautiful bricks together, sealing your walls against wind, rain, and time. But here’s something many homeowners overlook: while the bricks may last a century or more, the mortar won’t. That’s where repointing comes in.
Repointing, in case you’re new to the term, is the process of renewing the outer layer of mortar joints. It’s a small detail with a huge impact, and knowing when to do it can save your home from serious structural and aesthetic issues down the line. So how often should you repoint your bricks? The answer depends on more than just time.
In ideal conditions, meaning high-quality materials, skilled installation, and a little homeowner love, brick mortar can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. It’s a generous window, but it assumes a lot has gone right. The truth is, very few homes experience “ideal conditions” for that long. Between shifting seasons, weather exposure, and the natural settling of your home, the mortar starts to show signs of wear well before the 50-year mark in many cases.
That’s why experts always recommend regular inspections. Think of it like getting your chimney cleaned or your HVAC system serviced. It’s about protecting what’s underneath and making sure you catch problems before they escalate.
Just like paint fades and wood warps, mortar weathers over time. And how quickly that happens depends on a handful of key factors. From the original materials used to the environment your home lives in, several elements can either stretch the lifespan of your mortar or cut it short. Understanding these variables helps you stay ahead of damage and plan proactive maintenance, instead of waiting for issues to escalate.
Not all mortar is created equal. If your home was built using a softer or less durable mix (common in older or budget-conscious builds), the joints can wear out faster, sometimes in as little as 20 years. And if shortcuts were taken during the initial install, like improper mortar-to-water ratios or inconsistent application, you could be looking at repointing far sooner than expected.
Where you live plays a major role in how often you’ll need to repoint. In areas with heavy rainfall, intense sun, or extreme temperature swings, your mortar is constantly expanding and contracting. That movement can create small cracks, which grow over time as water seeps in and freezes. In coastal areas, salt spray in the air can also speed up deterioration. Even high-altitude homes can see increased mortar erosion due to wind exposure and freeze-thaw cycles.
Even within the same property, some walls age faster than others. The sides of your house that face prevailing winds, get constant sun, or are exposed to tree branches, vines, or sprinkler spray will typically wear down first. These exterior elements create micro-damage that adds up over time. It’s another reason why annual visual checks are worth adding to your seasonal to-do list.
If your home is older than 50 or 60 years, and especially if it’s historic, it likely wasn’t built with today’s mortar standards. Many older homes used lime-based mortar, which, while more flexible, isn’t as durable against today’s pollutants and environmental stressors. In these cases, repointing might be needed every 15 to 20 years, depending on upkeep. And remember: matching old mortar isn’t just cosmetic. Using the wrong mix can damage your brickwork over time.
Just like anything else in your home, a little TLC goes a long way. Minor cracks and chips can be patched before they turn into bigger problems. By maintaining your mortar, you can extend the time between full repointing jobs, sometimes by a decade or more. Think of it like cleaning your gutters. Not exactly glamorous, but incredibly effective at protecting your investment.
Sometimes the signs are subtle, and sometimes they’re impossible to miss. If you notice your mortar is cracking, crumbling, or even falling out in chunks, it’s definitely time to act. Another red flag? Gaps forming between the mortar and the bricks, those tiny spaces can let in water, which compromises the wall from the inside out. In such cases, timely repointing with experts can restore the strength and appearance of your masonry before the damage spreads.
You might also see spalling, when the brick surface starts to flake or crumble, which often means water has gotten in behind the brick because of failing mortar.
Inside your home, moisture problems like peeling paint, efflorescence (those white, powdery salt deposits), or even damp patches on the walls can point to mortar failure on the outside.
While repointing might not be the most glamorous home improvement project, it’s one of the most impactful. Left unchecked, deteriorating mortar can lead to structural issues, water damage, and the much more costly task of replacing brickwork altogether. If you’re unsure about the state of your mortar, or if you’ve never had it inspected, it’s a good idea to call in a professional mason. They can assess your home’s condition and give you a realistic timeline for when repointing is needed.
In the end, think of repointing as part of your home’s health routine. With the right care and a bit of vigilance, you can keep your brickwork strong and beautiful for generations to come.