TL;DR: Cost varies with scope, mortar match and access; small spot repointing is significantly cheaper than a full façade job and prices are usually quoted per linear metre or per square metre.

Expect a variable price: the final figure depends on how much old mortar must be removed, how hard it is to access the wall, and whether the mortar must be matched to historic brickwork. Additional factors such as the need to repair underlying brick, control water infiltration, or provide temporary protection during winter months also affect labour and material needs. Because pointing is both a repair and a weatherproofing task, contractors will price work to ensure the new mortar bonds correctly and drains or flashing issues are addressed where found.

what determines the final price?

As a mason on jobs across Montreal I look at four practical items before I give an estimate.

Extent of damage. Small patches are quicker than an entire façade; full repointing takes far more labour. Localised repairs—such as a single wall or the lower course of bricks near grade—can often be completed in a day or two, while full-elevation work requires more set-up time and predictable weather windows.
Mortar matching and strength. Matching colour and composition for older brickwork takes time and sometimes special sand or cement blends. Historic buildings often used lime-based mortars with softer compressive properties; matching that profile requires testing and different mixing practices than modern Portland cement mortars to avoid damaging old bricks.
Access and safety. Scaffolding, lifts or traffic control raise costs for buildings on busy streets or taller façades. For multi-storey facades, erection and dismantling of scaffolding represent a significant portion of the job time. If work requires traffic cones, lane closures, or permits from the city, these are added to the logistical cost.
Removal method. Soft-tooling to protect historic bricks is slower than power tools on modern masonry. When bricks are friable or glazed, hand raking and careful chiseling prevent accidental brick damage; on newer, harder masonry, grinders and saws speed removal but still require dust control measures.
Season and curing conditions. In Montreal’s cold months we schedule temporary protection or use winter admixtures, which affects timing and price. Proper curing is essential for mortar strength—if temperatures are low or wind exposure is high, tents, heaters, or special curing compounds may be needed to ensure the mortar sets properly.

how contractors typically price a job

Contractors commonly break a quote into inspection, labour, material and extras (scaffold, waste removal). Work can be quoted per unit of length or area, or as a lump sum for a defined section. Ask each contractor to show what they include so you can compare apples to apples. If you search for brick pointing cost Montreal you’ll see a wide spread in estimates; that’s usually because scope and access differ. Also check whether the quote includes matching mortar colour, disposal of old mortar and bricks, site protection, and post-work cleanup—missing items often appear as change orders later.

what the pointing process looks like

A clear scope helps control costs. The usual steps I follow on-site are:

Inspect and test. Check brick soundness and existing mortar. Sometimes a small test patch is needed. We probe joints, look for efflorescence, and test for hairline cracking. If moisture is present, we locate the source—whether from gutters, flashing, or ground water—so that pointing is not applied over a problem that will continue to cause deterioration.
Remove old mortar. Hand tools or grinders depending on brick condition. Proper removal depth and clean joint faces ensure new mortar bonds. Careful removal prevents undercutting of brick edges and reduces the likelihood of needing brick replacement.
Prepare and match mortar. Mix to the required compressive strength and colour. We often create small test mixes to verify colour match and workability. For historic work this may mean lime-rich mixes; for modern repairs a cement-based mortar is common. Workability, setting time and breathability are considered when choosing proportions.
Pointing and tooling. Pack joints, tool to the correct profile and finish. The joint profile—concave, flush, weatherstruck—affects the seal against water and the final appearance. Proper tooling compacts the mortar, reducing shrinkage and increasing durability.
Curing and cleanup. Protect new mortar while it sets and remove debris. Good curing practices—keeping mortar moist for an appropriate period—help prevent premature cracking. We clean brick faces carefully to avoid staining and leave the site ready for inspection.

For related work we often combine pointing with brick repair or broader masonry restoration to address cracked bricks or water damage, which can lower per-unit costs by grouping tasks. Combining repairs also reduces the number of scaffold setups and can produce a more consistent finish across the facade.

how to get a reliable quote

Get at least two written estimates that list labour hours, materials, scaffold and any testing. Ask about mortar testing or colour matching if your building is older. If the contractor lists only a per-square rate without describing access or prep, ask for clarification. When homeowners ask about the cost to repoint bricks in Montreal, I advise them to prioritise long-term performance over the cheapest short-term fix—poor mortar mix or rushed tooling leads to faster deterioration. Request a timeline that includes weather contingencies and a clear description of what will be repaired versus what will be left as-is.

when should you repoint?

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can pointing be completed?

Small spot repairs can often be done in a day; larger façade jobs require staging, scaffolding and proper curing time and typically take several days to a couple of weeks depending on weather and scope.

Will repointing stop water damage?

Proper repointing restores joint integrity and reduces water penetration, but if brick spalling or foundation issues are present you may also need targeted repairs to ensure a lasting fix.

Do I need a permit to repoint a commercial building in Montreal?

Permitting depends on building type, height and borough rules. Check local Montreal regulations or ask your contractor to confirm permit requirements during the estimate.

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