Masonry Contractor in Narberth, PA

Brick and stone can stand for a century or more, but only as long as the joints between them stay sound. Scheinfield Contractors handles masonry work in Narberth on the parts of a property that are built from brick, block, and stone, from chimneys at the top of the house to the steps at the front door.

Why Mortar Fails First

Mortar is meant to be the weaker material in a wall. It is softer and more porous than the brick or stone around it, so when moisture and movement cause stress, the mortar gives way instead of the masonry units. That makes it the part that needs attention over time.


The problem is what happens when it goes unattended. Once joints erode, water soaks deeper into the wall. In a climate with regular freezing and thawing, that trapped water expands each time it freezes, loosening bricks and cracking stone. What started as a maintenance issue turns into a rebuilding job.

Trowel spreading wet mortar on a brick wall during construction

Where Masonry Problems Show Up

Chimneys

A chimney stands exposed above the roofline on every side, which makes it the hardest working piece of masonry on most houses. Cracked crowns, missing mortar near the top, and loose bricks are common. Chimney damage also affects the roof, since the flashing that seals the two together is set into the brick. A leak near a chimney can be a masonry problem, a roof repair problem, or both.

Foundations and Lower Walls

Brick and stone near the ground take the most water, particularly where gutters overflow or downspouts empty too close. Repeated splashing wears mortar and stains the face of the wall. Fixing the masonry without fixing the drainage only buys time, which is why our gutter work in Narberth is often part of the conversation.

Steps and Walkways

Front steps take foot traffic, de-icing salt, and standing water all winter. Loose treads, cracked joints, and sections that have shifted are both a wear issue and a tripping hazard.

Retaining and Garden Walls

Walls that hold back soil are under constant pressure, especially when water builds up behind them. Bulging, leaning, or cracks that widen over time are signs the wall is losing that fight.

Masonry on Older Homes Near Narberth

Much of the brick and stone in Narberth, Merion Station, Bala Cynwyd, and Ardmore was laid with softer, lime-based mortars than the cement-based mixes common today. That difference matters. Repairing old, soft brick with a mortar that is harder than the brick itself forces the stress into the brick, which can crack or flake as a result. Matching the repair to the original wall is part of doing masonry work on older homes properly.


You can find our other exterior services on the Scheinfield Contractors home page.

Worker troweling mortar between stone wall blocks

Masonry FAQ

  • What is repointing?

    Repointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the joints and replacing it with new mortar. The old mortar is typically raked or ground out to a depth of about two to two and a half times the width of the joint, then the new mortar is packed in and tooled to match the existing joints.

  • What is the white, powdery residue on my brick?

    It is called efflorescence. Water moving through brick or mortar carries dissolved salts to the surface, and when the water evaporates the salts stay behind. The residue itself is mostly cosmetic, but it shows that water is moving through the wall, and the source is worth finding.

  • Why is the face of my brick flaking off?

    That is spalling. Brick absorbs water, and when that water freezes it can pop the outer face off. Spalling is more likely where the wall stays wet, such as under a leaking gutter, or where hard mortar has been used to repair soft brick.

  • What does a chimney crown do?

    The crown is the cap of concrete or mortar on top of the chimney, around the flue. It should slope away from the flue so rain runs off. A cracked crown lets water straight into the top of the chimney, where it can damage the masonry from the inside.

  • How long does mortar last?

    A common estimate is 20 to 30 years before mortar joints need repointing, though exposure makes a big difference. Chimneys and walls that take direct weather often need attention sooner than sheltered walls on the same house.