Brick Pointing
Sky Ridge Standard Excellence

Brick Pointing

Masonry repairs that stop leaks before they start

Skyridge Ricky
Roof Pro

Skyridge Ricky's Pro Tip: The Chimney Trap

"I can't tell you how many homeowners call me for a "roof leak" that is actually a masonry problem. If your mortar is crumbly, water soaks into the brick like a sponge and runs down behind my flashing. You can put all the shingles in the world on that roof, but if the brick isn't pointed, you're still going to have a drip!"

Why Brick Pointing is Critical for Utah Roofs

Brick pointing (or repointing) is the process of carving out old, failing mortar and replacing it with fresh material. In Utah, this is usually the number one cause of "mystery leaks" around chimneys and stone facades.

When mortar joints crack, they create a direct path for moisture to enter your wall system. Once that water gets behind your roof's counter-flashing, it bypasses the shingles entirely. We see this all the time in older neighborhoods in Salt Lake and Ogden where the original lime-based mortar has simply reached the end of its life.

Damaged brick mortar needing pointing

The Utah Freeze-Thaw Impact

Utah's climate is uniquely aggressive toward masonry. We have a massive number of "freeze-thaw cycles"—where snow melts during the day, soaks into the mortar, and then freezes and expands at night.

This expansion acts like a tiny crowbar, slowly prying your bricks apart. If you look at your chimney and see small gaps or "sand" on your roof, that's your mortar failing. At Sky Ridge, we don't just slap some caulk in those holes. We do it the right way:

  • 01.Grinding out old mortar to a consistent depth for a real bond.
  • 02.Matching the mortar strength to your original brick to prevent cracking.
  • 03.Installing new counter-flashing that is actually recessed into the brick.
  • 04.Applying professional-grade water repellents to the entire masonry stack.

Common Symptoms of Masonry Failure

Spalling Brick

When the face of the brick starts peeling or popping off. This means the moisture is trapped deep inside.

White Staining

Known as efflorescence. It's salt being pushed out of the brick by water movement. A major warning sign.

Interior Stains

Brown circles on the ceiling near your fireplace. Most people think it's a roof leak, but it's usually the masonry.

Stop the "Sponge" Effect

Don't wait for the next blizzard to find out your chimney is failing. Let Skyridge Ricky and the crew give you a real evaluation.

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