FAQ
Brick pointing questions, answered
Short answers with sources. For detail, see the rules guide and cost guide.
Do I need a permit to repoint brick in Philadelphia?
Usually not. L&I lists pointing masonry among projects that often don’t need a building permit, as long as the property is not on the Philadelphia historic register. If the house is on the register, you need Historical Commission review. Scaffolding on the sidewalk needs a Streets Department permit.
Source: City of Philadelphia: Get a building permit (L&I), Philadelphia Historical Commission: Get approval for work to a historic property, Philadelphia Streets Department: Street closure permit for construction
How much does brick pointing cost in Philadelphia?
HomeGuide puts repointing at $500–$2,500 per 100 square feet nationally, and Angi at $400–$2,500. A Philadelphia contractor publishes $8–$25 per square foot locally, with most rowhome jobs at $12–$18, and $6,000–$15,000+ for a full rowhome facade. A contractor has to see the wall to quote.
Source: HomeGuide: Repointing / tuckpointing cost, Angi: How much does repointing brick cost?, Natalini & Son Masonry (a Philadelphia-area contractor): Brick repointing cost in Philadelphia
What is the difference between pointing, repointing and tuckpointing?
Pointing and repointing both mean raking out deteriorated mortar and replacing it. Tuckpointing usually means a decorative technique with a contrasting narrow line of mortar or putty, and Angi notes it costs more.
Source: Angi: How much does repointing brick cost?, National Park Service, Preservation Brief 2: Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings (PDF)
Should old Philadelphia brick be repointed with lime mortar?
The National Park Service says new mortar should be softer and more permeable than the brick. For most historic brick that means a lime-rich mortar rather than a hard Portland cement mix. A mortar analysis or test panel helps choose the mix.
How long does repointing last?
NPS says a good repointing job should last at least 30 years, and preferably 50 to 100. HomeGuide says 25–30 years.
Source: National Park Service, Preservation Brief 2: Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings (PDF), HomeGuide: Repointing / tuckpointing cost
When is the best time of year to repoint?
NPS recommends repointing when wall temperatures are between 40°F and 95°F, so most Philadelphia masonry is done from spring through fall.
My house is in a historic district. What changes?
Pointing, masonry repair, cleaning and painting need Historical Commission review. It’s free, staff often approve it, and approvals commonly require a pointing sample and cut-out sample in the field before the full job.
Source: Philadelphia Historical Commission: Get approval for work to a historic property, Philadelphia Historical Commission: Approval documentation / conditions form (PDF)
Does the City help pay for masonry repairs?
Restore, Repair, Renew loans (3% fixed APR, $2,500–$50,000) cover masonry for eligible homeowners. The Basic Systems Repair Program covers limited emergency wall repairs, but says brick pointing and stucco are not emergencies.
Source: PHDC: Restore, Repair, Renew loan program, PHDC: Basic Systems Repair Program flyer, March 2026 (PDF)
Are you a masonry contractor?
No. We are a free referral service. We pass your request to an independent Philadelphia contractor, who quotes and does the work. We may be paid by contractors we refer.
Want a mason to look at it?
Tell us the address ZIP, which wall and what you’re seeing. We pass it to one independent Philadelphia contractor who does masonry work, and they contact you to set up a look and a written quote.
Philly Brick Pointing is a free referral service, not a masonry contractor. We pass your request to an independent Philadelphia contractor, who quotes and does the work. We are not affiliated with the City of Philadelphia or the Historical Commission. We may be paid by the contractors we refer. Disclosure.
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Philly Brick Pointing is a free referral service, not a masonry contractor. We pass your request to an independent Philadelphia contractor, who quotes and does the work.