Brick Pointing in NYC
Doon Construction Corporation is a licensed NYC masonry contractor specializing in brick pointing and tuckpointing across all five boroughs. From single brownstone facades in Brooklyn to full multi-story repointing on pre-war co-ops in Manhattan and Queens, our crews execute clean, code-compliant work with custom-matched mortar that preserves the look of historic NYC buildings.
Failed mortar is the #1 cause of water infiltration in NYC buildings. Once joints open up, water freezes and expands inside the wall — destroying brick faces, rusting lintels, and damaging interior plaster. The fix is straightforward when caught early: grind out the failed joint, repoint with matched mortar, and seal. We handle that work day in and day out, with permits, sidewalk sheds, and swing-stage setup all included.
Brick Pointing Services We Provide
- Full and spot brick pointing / repointing
- Color-matched custom mortar mixing
- Historic and landmark-grade tuckpointing
- Local Law 11 / FISP repair execution
- Brick replacement and salvage matching
- Parapet wall repair and rebuild
- Lintel replacement and steel repair
- Chimney repointing and cap rebuild
- Waterproofing and sealing after pointing
- Sidewalk shed and swing-stage setup
Brownstones, Pre-War, and Landmark Work
Brownstones in Park Slope, Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights, Harlem, and the Upper West Side were built with soft lime mortar. Pre-war apartment buildings in Astoria, Jackson Heights, and the Bronx used similar mixes. Repointing these with modern hard Portland-cement mortar causes the brick face to crack and spall within a few winters — a permanent, expensive mistake. We custom-mix Type N or Type O lime-rich mortar and match the original joint profile so the repair is visually seamless and structurally compatible. For LPC-designated landmark buildings, we work to Landmarks Preservation Commission specifications.
Local Law 11 / FISP Repairs
NYC's Facade Inspection & Safety Program (Local Law 11) requires buildings 6+ stories to be inspected every 5 years. When a QEWI files SWARMP or Unsafe conditions, we execute the repair scope — pointing, brick replacement, lintel work, parapet rebuilds — on the timeline DOB requires, and provide the documentation needed to reclassify the facade as Safe.
Boroughs We Serve
Related Services
Brick Pointing NYC — FAQ
What is brick pointing and why does it matter?
Brick pointing (also called repointing or tuckpointing) is the process of grinding out deteriorated mortar joints between bricks and replacing them with fresh, color-matched mortar. It restores the building envelope, stops water infiltration, and prevents far more expensive structural damage. In NYC's freeze-thaw climate, mortar typically needs to be repointed every 25–40 years.
How much does brick pointing cost in NYC?
NYC brick pointing typically runs $12 to $25 per square foot of wall surface depending on building height, scaffolding/swing-stage requirements, mortar type, and joint condition. A small brownstone facade may run $6,000–$15,000; a full 5–6 story multi-family building can range from $30,000 to $90,000+. Every quote we provide is itemized in writing after an on-site inspection.
Do you handle Local Law 11 / FISP-related pointing work?
Yes. We work regularly with QEWIs (Qualified Exterior Wall Inspectors) on Local Law 11 / FISP cycles, executing the repair scopes filed with DOB. We handle permits, sidewalk sheds, swing stages, and progress documentation required for SWARMP-to-Safe condition reclassification.
Which NYC boroughs do you serve for brick pointing?
We provide brick pointing across all five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We work on brownstones, pre-war co-ops, multi-family walk-ups, commercial buildings, and townhouses throughout the city.
Can you match the original mortar color and joint profile?
Yes — this is one of the most important parts of historic NYC pointing work. We custom-blend mortar to match the color, hardness, and texture of the original. We also reproduce the original joint profile (concave, flush, raked, beaded, V-joint, weather-struck) so the repair is invisible on landmark and pre-war buildings.
Will you use the right mortar for old brick?
Yes. Pre-1920 NYC buildings were built with soft lime-based mortar. Using modern hard Portland-cement mortar on soft historic brick causes spalling and cracking. We spec Type N or Type O lime-rich mortar (and pure lime putty when needed) to match the original strength and protect historic masonry.