The mortar joints on one side of my house are recessed much deeper than the other sides. Is that just cosmetic or should I be concerned?
Answer
We would be concerned. Mortar is what locks the bricks together, and once it wears back too far, water has an easier time getting behind the wall. We’ve tuckpointed many homes where the bricks were still in good condition, but the mortar had reached the point where it needed to be replaced. We usually recommend repairing it before bricks begin loosening or moisture starts causing additional deterioration. In many cases, catching it early avoids much more extensive masonry work later.
