Roughly: if the masonry units are sound and only the mortar has failed, it is a repointing job. If the brick itself is spalling through, or the structure has moved, it needs rebuilding. We tell you which at the inspection and show you why.

Older brick is softer than modern brick and needs a softer lime-based mortar. If someone repoints a nineteenth-century wall with hard Portland cement, the mortar stops flexing and the brick faces start breaking instead. Much of Schenectady’s housing stock is old enough for this to matter.

Mortar needs temperatures above roughly 40°F to cure properly, so most work runs spring through late autumn. Small emergency repairs can be done in colder weather with heated enclosures, at extra cost.

Chimney crown or flashing repairs are usually one to two days. Repointing a wall section runs three to five days. A full chimney rebuild above the roofline is typically under a week, weather permitting.

Yes, including lime stucco and render restoration. If the property is in a historic district, there may be approval requirements for visible exterior work — we will flag that at the inspection.

Yes. We look at the masonry, tell you what is wrong, and give you a written estimate. No obligation.