Sweep & inspection
Caps & crowns
Flue relining
Masonry repair
Gas fireplace serviceLevel 1 sweep and inspection to the NFPA 211 annual standard - flue, crown, cap, and flashing checked and photographed
Chimney sweep logs do not sweep chimneys. They loosen some creosote - which then falls where a brush and vacuum still have to collect it.
Styles & brands we work with
See the difference
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterMortar Repointing in Houston, TX
Mortar repointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the joints between bricks and replacing it with new mortar. For Houston homeowners, it’s the single most effective defense against the city’s relentless humidity and rainfall cycles, which slowly break down the mortar that holds chimney stacks together. If your chimney is 15 years or older, there’s a solid chance the joints are starting to soften. Flint Chimney Co Houston repoints chimneys across the Houston metro with the same disciplined approach we bring to our Chimney Repair services: a written price before we touch a brick, and a one-year guarantee on every job. Call (325) 750-6259 to get yours scheduled.
This work falls under our broader Chimney Repair in Houston service. If you’ve spotted crumbling mortar, you’re already looking at the right page.
When You Need Mortar Repointing
Most Houston homeowners don’t think about mortar until it starts showing up where it shouldn’t. Here are the signs we see most often on service calls across the city:
- Crumbling or flaking mortar joints. Run a finger along the joints between bricks. If you get a sandy residue on your hand, the mortar is failing. That’s the earliest and most reliable warning sign.
- Visible gaps or missing mortar between bricks. In neighborhoods like the Heights, Montrose, and Bellaire, older chimneys often have sections where the mortar has fallen out entirely. That’s an open channel for water.
- Water stains on the ceiling near the chimney or on the firebox walls. Failed mortar joints let rain behind the brick face. Houston’s summer downpours make this a fast-moving problem.
- Spalling bricks. When the face of a brick pops off, leaving a recessed, flaky surface, that’s usually the mortar failing to flex with Houston’s heat-and-rain cycles. The brick is telling you the joint work already failed.
- A white, chalky film on the brick face. That’s efflorescence, which means water is moving through the masonry and pulling salts to the surface. It’s not cosmetic. It’s evidence of moisture intrusion.
- Loose bricks at the chimney crown or anywhere on the stack. A brick that moves under hand pressure means the mortar has lost its bond. On a Houston roof in summer, that’s a safety issue.
Our Mortar Repointing Process
We don’t do partial jobs or surface patching. When Flint Chimney Co Houston repoints a chimney, we follow the same sequence on every project, and we put the scope in writing before we start:
- Written assessment and price. We inspect the chimney and give you a written price for the full repointing scope before any work begins. No verbal estimates that change at the door.
- Joint preparation. We grind or chisel out the failed mortar to a consistent depth, typically 3/4 inch to 1 inch. This is the step most shortcuts skip, and it’s why repointing jobs fail early.
- Mortar matching. We match the new mortar’s composition and color to your existing brick. Houston’s older homes in areas like the Greater Heights have specific mortar types. Blindly swapping in hard modern mortar can crack soft vintage brick. We don’t do that.
- Repointing and tooling. New mortar is packed into the joints in layers and tooled to match the original profile. This is hand work, joint by joint.
- Cleanup and wash-down. We remove mortar smears and leave the work area clean. You shouldn’t have to pressure-wash your own sidewalk after we leave.
- Written guarantee. Every repointing job at Flint Chimney Co Houston carries our 365-Day Done Right Promise. If a covered repair fails within one full year, we return and make it right at no charge.
Mortar Repointing Pricing in Houston
Mortar repointing in Houston typically runs $550 to $1,400 for a standard single-flue chimney, depending on access, the amount of deteriorated mortar, and how high up the stack the damage runs. For a deeper look at pricing, see How Much Does Chimney Repair Cost? (2026 Price Guide) - Houston, TX. Here’s how that breaks down:
| Scope | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Spot repointing (limited section of damaged joints) | $550 – $850 |
| Full repointing of a standard single-flue chimney | $900 – $1,400 |
| Full repointing with crown repair or crown resealing | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Tall or difficult-access chimneys (3 stories or steep pitch) | Add 20 – 35% to base scope |
Three things drive the final number: how much mortar has to come out, how much scaffolding or roof work is involved, and whether the crown needs resealing at the same time. We specify materials by the job. For Houston’s climate, we have used Olympia Chimney and HeatShield products where the repair calls for them. You’ll see the brand name in writing before you approve the work.
We don’t do open-ended pricing. The number on your written quote is the number on your invoice. Call (325) 750-6259 and we’ll get you a free estimate.
FAQs – Mortar Repointing
How long does mortar repointing last in Houston?
Properly done repointing in Houston typically lasts 20 to 30 years, and often outlasts the surrounding brickwork. The variable that matters most is mortar matching. We cut the joints to proper depth and match the mortar’s compressive strength to the existing brick, which prevents early failures in the freeze-thaw-influenced cycle Houston sees in the occasional winter cold snap. If the work is done shallow or with the wrong mix, you’ll start seeing cracks again within three to five years. Call (325) 750-6259 and we’ll show you exactly what we found and what we recommend.
Can you repoint just part of a chimney, or does it have to be the whole thing?
You can repoint just part of a chimney if the damage is localized. We tell you exactly what section needs work after inspection. That said, if the mortar is failing in one area, the rest of the joints are often at the same stage of life. We’ll give you an honest read on whether spot repointing makes sense or whether you’re better off doing the full stack once. The written price covers only what we agree on. Estimates are free at (325) 750-6259.
How much does it cost to repoint a chimney in Houston?
Most Houston repointing jobs range from $550 for a small partial repair to $1,400 for a full single-flue chimney. Tall or hard-to-access chimneys run higher. You’ll know your exact number before we start. Call (325) 750-6259 for a free estimate.
Is mortar repointing something I can do myself?
Mortar repointing is not a beginner DIY job. The danger comes from two sides. First, properly grinding out old joints to depth requires power tools and dust control, and second, choosing the wrong mortar mix for your home’s brick can cause the brick faces to crack and pop off, a problem our Spalling Brick Repair team sees often. Older Houston homes in neighborhoods like the First Ward and Norhill often have soft historic brick that requires a specific lime-based mortar. If you’re unsure, we’ll assess it properly. Call (325) 750-6259 and we’ll inspect the chimney and give you an honest written recommendation.
Written by Hank Delano, Owner at Flint Chimney Co Houston, serving Houston.