STLCT

What Masons & Bricklayers Do

• Tuckpointing and mortar repair on brick buildings
• Brick and stone veneer installation
• Retaining wall construction
• Concrete block foundation repair
• Chimney repair and rebuilding
• Stone and brick patio installation
• Outdoor fireplace and fire pit construction
• Historical brick restoration and matching

When to Hire a Masons & Bricklayer

Hire a mason when mortar is crumbling, bricks are loose or damaged, or you're adding brick or stone features. Tuckpointing, especially common in St. Louis's older brick homes, should be done when mortar joints are eroding to prevent water infiltration. Structural issues like bowing walls or cracked foundations require immediate professional attention.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

• What type of mortar will you use, and does it match the original?
• How do you prepare joints before repointing (depth of removal)?
• Can you match the original brick color and texture for repairs?
• For retaining walls, how do you handle drainage behind the wall?
• Do you have experience with historic buildings and their specific needs?
• What is your process for chimney work regarding water sealing?
• How do you protect surrounding areas from mortar splatter?

Red Flags to Watch For

• Uses modern Portland cement mortar on historic lime mortar buildings
• Doesn't grind out old mortar deep enough (should be 2x joint width)
• Cannot match mortar color and texture to existing
• Skips proper drainage behind retaining walls
• No discussion of waterproofing for chimney work
• Plans to cover over damaged brick rather than replace
• No experience with your building's era or style

Cost Considerations in St. Louis

Tuckpointing in St. Louis runs $5-$15 per square foot depending on condition and accessibility. Brick patio installation costs $10-$25 per square foot. Retaining walls run $25-$50 per square foot depending on height and material. Chimney repair ranges from $500 for minor work to $5,000+ for rebuilding. Historic restoration work commands premium pricing due to specialized skills and materials.