Chimney Repointing in New Jersey
Removing deteriorated mortar from the joints of your chimney and replacing it with fresh, compatible mortar, so the brickwork can keep shedding water.
NJ HIC #13VH12036000 | Serving homeowners across New Jersey from East Rutherford
- Free inspection & estimateNo-cost first visit
- NJ HIC #13VH12036000Registered Home Improvement Contractor
- East Rutherford headquarters168 Humboldt St
- Convenient online schedulingRequest online, then pick a time
Renewing the joints that hold the chimney together
Mortar is meant to be the softer, sacrificial part of a masonry wall. Over the years it erodes, cracks and recedes from the face of the brick, especially on a chimney exposed to weather on all sides. Once the joints open up, water gets into the masonry much more easily.
Repointing, sometimes called tuckpointing, means grinding or raking out the worn mortar to a sound depth and packing the joints with new mortar, then tooling them to a finish that matches the rest of the chimney.
We start by looking at the joints and the brick around them. Mortar that is soft, sandy, cracked or recessed is a candidate for repointing. We also check the crown and flashing, since they affect how much water reaches the joints.
When repointing is not enough
Repointing restores joints; it does not fix damaged brick or an unstable chimney. If bricks are spalled or loose, if the chimney is leaning or bulging, or if the crown is letting water in, repointing alone will not solve the problem. We tell you when brick replacement, crown work or a partial rebuild is the better route.
Signs your chimney needs repointing
Look for these in the mortar between the bricks.
Recessed joints
Mortar that has worn back noticeably from the face of the brick.
Cracked mortar
Hairline or open cracks running through the joints.
Sandy or crumbling mortar
Joints that powder or crumble when touched.
Gaps at the brick
Mortar separating from the brick edges and leaving small openings.
Damp masonry
Areas that stay wet after rain because water is getting into open joints.
Loose counter flashing
Flashing working out of joints where the mortar has failed.
Is repointing enough?
Repointing is the right fix when the brick is sound. When it is not, a larger repair may be needed.
When repointing is usually enough
- Worn or recessed joints
- Bricks intact and tight
- No leaning or bulging
- Crown and flashing in good order
When repointing is insufficient
- Spalled or cracked bricks
- Loose brick that moves
- Leaning or bulging sections
- Water entering from the crown or flashing
Factors that affect the decision
The depth of mortar deterioration, the condition of the brick, whether the chimney is stable, and the condition of the crown and flashing.
When further investigation is needed
Some damage only shows once old mortar is removed. If raking out the joints reveals loose or deteriorated brick, we stop and explain the options before continuing.
How chimney repointing works
Request
Send the form with photos of the chimney, or call or text us.
Inspect
We check the joints, brick, crown and flashing.
Estimate
We explain whether repointing is enough and provide an estimate.
Rake out
Deteriorated mortar is removed to a sound depth with the roof protected.
Repoint
Joints are filled with compatible mortar and tooled to match.
Clean up
We clean the brick and work area and go over the result with you.
Mortar needs suitable temperatures to cure properly. We schedule with the weather in mind.
Repointing materials and details
The materials and technique decide how well repointing performs.
Compatible mortar
Mortar suited to the brick and the original mortar, so the joint stays the weaker element as intended.
Joint depth
Raking out to a sound depth so the new mortar has something solid to bond to.
Color & texture
Mortar matched in color and texture as closely as practical to the existing joints.
Joint finish
Tooling the joints to a profile that matches the chimney and sheds water.
What Our Customers Say
The first review is about chimney repairs and mentions the mortar work. The other two are genuine Google reviews about front steps and a sidewalk.
Excerpt“The repair work was top-notch, with clean mortar and properly aligned bricks. … The final cost was exactly as estimated.”
Excerpt“Matt did an excellent job on my front steps. … Very friendly and professional.”
Excerpt“Monarch Construction did a great job on my sidewalk! I’m very happy with the results. Matt and his team were professional, skilled, and easy to work with.”
Quoted from our Google Business Profile. Rating and count as of October 28, 2026.
Chimney repointing in New Jersey
Repointing is available throughout New Jersey, all 21 counties, depending on availability. We are based in East Rutherford; find your county below.
Headquarters
168 Humboldt St, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
(551) 241-0470 · monarchroofingnj@gmail.com
Service availability can vary by location and schedule. See all service areas.
Chimney repointing FAQs
What is the difference between repointing and tuckpointing?
The terms are often used interchangeably for replacing deteriorated mortar. Tuckpointing traditionally also refers to a decorative joint finish.
How do I know if my mortar is failing?
Joints that are recessed, cracked, sandy or crumbling, or that leave gaps at the brick edges, are common signs.
Can you repoint just part of the chimney?
Yes, when deterioration is limited to certain areas. We explain whether spot repointing or the whole chimney makes more sense.
Why not just spread new mortar over the old?
Mortar smeared over failing joints does not bond well and tends to fall out. Repointing removes the deteriorated mortar first.
Will new mortar match the old?
We match color and texture as closely as practical. New mortar can look slightly different at first and often blends in as it weathers.
Does repointing stop leaks?
It closes open joints, which is one way water gets in. If the crown, flashing or brick are also involved, those need attention too.
Is soft mortar better than hard mortar?
Mortar should be compatible with the brick. Mortar that is too hard can damage older, softer brick around it.
Is the estimate free?
Yes. Repointing evaluations and estimates are free.
Request Your Free Repointing Estimate
Tell us about your project, upload photos if available, and choose your preferred inspection date and time.
Please note: preferred dates and times are requests until your booking is confirmed.
Prefer to talk? Call or text (551) 241-0470 or email monarchroofingnj@gmail.com.
Mortar Crumbling on Your Chimney?
Tell us what you are seeing and send a few photos. We will look at the joints and the brick and give you a free estimate.