Brick and Stone Repairs
Mortar matched to your existing wall in type, colour and joint profile. River Valley Contracting assesses brick age before mixing.
What We Offer
Repairs that disappear into the wall
Brick masonry is one of the most durable building materials in existence; mortar is not. Alberta's freeze-thaw erodes mortar joints rapidly. Once mortar crumbles, water enters, brick face spalls.
The single most common mistake on Edmonton brick repairs is using a Portland-rich mortar mix on heritage brick. Modern mortars are far harder than soft pre-1960 brick, causing differential failure.
River Valley Contracting assesses brick age and hardness before specifying the mortar. Trial-panel approval before main works begin.
Get a Free Quote
Full Scope of Work
Everything included in the price
No hidden extras. Every item below is included in your written estimate.
Brick assessment
Visual inspection plus scratch-test to identify brick age and hardness. Free quote.
Trial panel
One representative joint opened and mortar mixed to match. Owner approves before main works.
Joint rake-out
Failed joints raked back 25 mm minimum, swept clean, dampened ready for repointing.
Matched repointing
Mortar packed with matching tool profile (concave, weather-struck, raked or flat).
Brick replacement
Salvaged matching brick where possible; pigment-toned new units where needed.
Clean down
Mortar runs cleaned off the face, mason's debris removed, walkways swept.
Frequently asked
Common questions
How do I know if my brickwork needs repointing?
If you can scrape mortar out of a joint with a screwdriver tip, repointing is due. Spalling brick face (chips popping off the front) means the work is overdue.
Why does mortar matter so much?
Mortar carries thermal movement. If it is harder than the brick, the brick face cracks instead. Heritage walls need soft lime mortars.
Will the repair match the rest of the wall?
After cure, yes. We trial-panel one joint and have you approve the colour and profile before the rest begins.
How long does the work take?
Localised damage runs 3 to 7 working days. Full-wall repointing on a two-storey house can take 2 to 3 weeks.
Do you handle stone as well as brick?
Yes. Rubble stone, coursed ashlar, manufactured cultured stone and natural fieldstone all in scope.
What about painted brick?
We strongly recommend against painting brick. Paint traps moisture in the wall. Breathable mineral paints exist if you must.
Ready to start your project?
Free written estimate from River Valley Contracting. No deposit. Same business day response.