Chimney Repointing
Crumbling mortar joints? We cut them out and repack them before the brick goes.
- Matched mortar colour
- Joints cut to proper depth
- Licensed & insured
- Family owned since 1999
FRS Roofing + Gutters
Medford, MA · Serving Greater Boston
Chimney Repointing in Greater Massachusetts
Repointing — also called tuckpointing — means removing the failed mortar between the bricks and packing in fresh mortar. Done at the right time it is routine maintenance. Left too long, water gets behind the brick face and the chimney needs rebuilding instead.
Failed joints removed
Cut back to sound mortar, not just skimmed over.
Fresh mortar packed in
Correct depth so the joint actually holds.
Colour matched
Mix matched to your existing mortar where possible.
Full joint survey
We check every face, not only the one you can see.
Water path closed
The main route water takes into a chimney.
Sealing option
Waterproofing after curing, if it makes sense.
Why it matters in Massachusetts
Mortar is softer than brick by design — it is meant to fail first so the brick survives. In our climate that sacrificial layer typically lasts 20 to 30 years. Once the joints recede, water enters, freezes and starts pushing bricks out of line. Repointing on time is what keeps a chimney from needing a rebuild.
Our simple process
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1
Free inspection
Photos of every face of the chimney from roof level.
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2
Joints cut out
Failed mortar removed to a proper depth by hand or grinder.
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3
Repointing
New mortar packed, tooled and finished to match.
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4
Cure & seal
Mortar cures, then optional waterproofing is applied.
Backed by a real guarantee
Licensed & insured
Masonry and roof work fully covered.
Cheaper than rebuilding
A fraction of the cost if caught in time.
Rated by homeowners
Trusted across Greater Boston since 1999.
Rated by homeowners across Greater Boston
Chimney Repointing — questions
How do I know if my chimney needs repointing?
Look for mortar you can scratch out with a key, joints that have receded behind the brick face, sand collecting on the roof, or white staining. We confirm it with photos.
How long does repointing last?
Properly cut and packed joints in a matched mix typically last 20 to 30 years in New England.
Can you repoint in winter?
No. Mortar needs to stay above roughly 40°F while it cures, so repointing is spring through fall work.
Do you have to repoint the whole chimney?
Not always. Sometimes only the top few courses and the weather-facing side have failed. The photo report shows exactly what needs doing.
Is repointing enough, or do I need a rebuild?
If the bricks themselves are spalling, cracked or out of line, repointing will not hold. That is the point where a rebuild is the honest answer, and we will say so.
Get a free chimney repointing quote
Tell us about your home and a specialist will call you back — usually the same business day. No obligation.