St. Louis Historic Brick Repointing: Approve a Sample

Identify Deterioration and the Review Boundary

Ask a mason to distinguish eroded mortar from cracked brick, movement or water entering from above. Record the locations on photographs rather than accepting a single percentage of wall area with no explanation. Repointing should not conceal a structural concern that needs separate assessment.

The Cultural Resources Office reviews exterior work within local historic districts and on designated city landmarks, among other responsibilities. Confirm the property’s status and project-review requirements. An old building outside that jurisdiction still benefits from a compatible repair, but the approval route should not be assumed.

Describe Compatibility Before Choosing Color

The city’s repointing standards address mortar softness relative to historic brick and mortar, along with matching color and texture. Ask the mason to explain how the existing materials were assessed and why the proposed mortar is appropriate. Avoid choosing a mix solely because it is readily available.

Have the proposal distinguish mortar replacement from brick replacement. Where replacement brick is needed, ask how size and appearance will be matched. If the wall has previous incompatible repairs, identify them separately so the treatment can be assessed rather than repeated automatically.

Use a Sample to Resolve the Visible Details

Request a modest sample area in a location agreed with the project team and reviewing authority where applicable. Review the cured appearance, joint profile and workmanship before approving broader work. Wet mortar can look different from the finished surface, so agree on the evaluation point.

The city standards address preparation depth and joint tooling. Ask the mason to describe the method and how brick edges will be protected. Treat aggressive removal or cleaning as a separate proposal needing justification, especially where the existing brick faces are already worn.

Fix Water Sources and Document the Finish

Coordinate leaking gutters, coping, flashing or other identified water sources with the masonry schedule. Ask whether repairs above the wall must occur first and who owns the junction between the trades. A neat joint does not resolve water continuing to enter behind the masonry.

Keep photographs of the approved sample and the finished wall, along with material information and applicable approvals. During the walkthrough, compare the completed work with the agreed scope and record remaining concerns. Avoid adding a coating or sealer as an unspecified finishing step; require an explanation of its purpose and compatibility.

• What condition requires repointing, and what needs a different assessment?
• How will the mortar, replacement brick and joint profile be matched?
• When will the sample be reviewed before the main work proceeds?

Sources And Local Resources

Official sources checked October 17, 2026. Confirm current requirements with the authority responsible for your property.

• St. Louis Standards for Repointing Historic MasonryMortar compatibility, color, texture, joint profile and matching replacement brick; revised June 2021 standard currently linked by city.
• St. Louis Cultural Resources OfficeExterior review responsibilities for local historic districts and city landmarks.