Brick Restoration vs. Brick Repointing: What Nashville Homeowners Need to Know

Most Nashville homeowners don’t know whether they need brick restoration or repointing — and that confusion often leads to delayed repairs, higher costs, and preventable damage.

This guide breaks down the difference, the cost, the signs to look for, and how to choose the right service.

If you live in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Mt. Juliet, Murfreesboro, Green Hills, or surrounding areas, this article applies directly to your home’s soil conditions, weather patterns, and brick types.

What’s the Difference Between Brick Restoration and Repointing?

Brick Restoration = Repairing the Brick Itself

This includes fixing or replacing:

• Cracked bricks
• Spalled bricks (surface flaking)
• Loose bricks
• Discolored or damaged surfaces
• Bricks weakened by water or freeze-thaw cycles

Restoration is structural — it addresses the brick, not just the mortar.

Brick Repointing = Repairing the Mortar Joints

Repointing focuses on:

• Removing failing or cracked mortar
• Cleaning out mortar joints
• Installing new, properly matched mortar

Repointing stabilizes walls, prevents water intrusion, and restores strength.

Which Service Do You Need?

Choose Brick Repointing if:

• Mortar is cracked or falling out
• Your brick wall has gaps
• Mortar is powdery or soft
• You see water seepage between joints

Choose Brick Restoration if:

• Bricks themselves are cracked
• Bricks are crumbling or spalling
• There’s bulging in a wall
• Previous repairs failed
• You see structural movement or leaning

If both brick and mortar are damaged, you may need a combination of restoration + repointing.

Why Brick Damage is Common in Nashville Homes

Middle Tennessee’s environment creates the perfect storm for masonry deterioration:

1. Heavy Clay Soil Movement

Expansive soil = shifting foundations → brick cracks.

2. Freeze–Thaw Cycles

Water enters bricks → freezes → expands → causes spalling.

3. High Rainfall and Humidity

Moisture accelerates mortar decay and brick discoloration.

4. Older Nashville Neighborhoods

Areas like Green Hills, Sylvan Park, Brentwood, and Donelson feature:

• Aging brick homes
• Outdated mortar mixes
• Weathered brickwork

Signs You Need Brick Restoration

1. Surface Flaking (Spalling)

Often seen on:

• Chimneys
• Mailboxes
• Older exterior walls

2. Stair-Step Cracks

Common where foundation movement occurs.

3. Bulging or Bowing Walls

Indicates deeper structural failure.

4. Loose or Hollow Bricks

A sign water has already entered behind the wall.

5. White Powder (Efflorescence)

Minerals left behind from water movement = moisture intrusion.

Signs You Need Brick Repointing Instead

Mortar Lines Look…

• Cracked
• Gapped
• Sandy
• Washed away
• Mushy

Water Leaks Indoors?

Often caused by failing mortar joints — not the brick.

Gaps Around Windows or Doors

Repointing prevents further movement and weather entry.

Cost Breakdown: Brick Restoration vs. Repointing in Nashville

These price ranges reflect current local averages (2024–2025).

Brick Repointing Costs

• Small repairs: $350–$750
• Medium-sized wall sections: $900–$2,500
• Whole-house repointing: $6,000–$18,000

Factors that affect price:

1. Height/accessibility
2. Amount of failing mortar
3. Matching brick/mortar color
4. Structural complexity

Brick Restoration Costs

• Single brick replacement: $75–$150
• Mailbox restoration: $250–$650
• Wall reconstruction: $1,200–$6,500
• Major structural restoration: $4,500–$20,000+

Factors that affect price:

• Extent of brick damage
• Whether structural work is needed
• Foundation issues
• Drainage or water infiltration

Which Option Lasts Longer?

Repointing lasts 20–30 years.

Quality brick restoration lasts 50+ years.

The durability depends heavily on:

• Proper mortar matching
• Correct moisture management
• Professional workmanship
• Soil and drainage around the foundation

How We Determine Which Service You Need

1. Inspect the brick and mortar under magnification

We check depth, hardness, and stability.

2. Identify moisture entry points

Chimneys, weep holes, walls near grade, mailboxes, etc.

3. Evaluate Nashville soil movement near the home

Especially in Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, and Mt. Juliet.

4. Match mortar composition

This prevents the “patchwork” look — and prevents new cracks.

5. Provide clear photos + explanation

Most companies never do this; homeowners love it.

How to Prevent Brick Damage in Nashville (Homeowner Checklist)

Maintenance Steps

• Seal brick driveways/walkways every 3–5 years
• Ensure gutters drain away from brick walls
• Fix small mortar cracks before rain saturation
• Add proper grading around the home
• Waterproof chimney crowns and caps
• Avoid pressure washing brick

Warning Signs to Watch For

• New cracks after a rainstorm
• Leaning mailboxes
• Loose steps
• Soft or crumbly mortar
• Interior drywall cracks near exterior walls

FAQs: Brick Restoration & Repointing in Nashville