Masonry Repairs - Harvin Masonry

Masonry Repairs - Harvin Masonry

Masonry repairs restore structural integrity and protect homes from water intrusion, further deterioration, and safety hazards. Harvin Masonry specializes in a full range of repair services: tuck pointing and repointing, chimney repairs and rebuilds, foundation and crack repair, brick and stone replacement, waterproofing, and historic masonry restoration. Our repair solutions are rooted in accurate diagnosis, proper material selection, and skilled craftsmanship.

Why Timely Masonry Repair Matters

Left unaddressed, masonry deterioration can lead to deeper structural issues—water infiltration, freeze-thaw damage, loose masonry units, and failing mortar joints can compromise load-bearing walls and chimneys. Timely repairs can save homeowners significant expenses and preserve the aesthetic and structural value of their property.

Common Masonry Repair Needs

Brick wall being built; brick being placed on top with downward arrows.

Tuck pointing & repointing

Mortar joints often weather faster than masonry units. Replacing deteriorated mortar with new, compatible mortar restores strength and appearance. 

A brick is being placed on top of a brick wall, indicated by downward arrows.

Chimney repairs

Damaged chimneys risk leaks, poor drafting, and structural collapse. Repairs include flue liner replacement, flashing repair, crown replacement, and partial or full rebuilds. 

Bricks being added to a wall. Arrows indicate downward movement from above.

Cracked foundations & walls

Structural cracks require careful evaluation and appropriate repairs to prevent water intrusion and further settling. 

A brick being added to a brick wall, with downward arrows indicating placement.

Stone or brick replacement

Damaged or spalled units are replaced using matching materials for a cohesive look. 

Building a brick wall, with arrows indicating the placement of a brick.

Waterproofing and moisture mitigation

Applied to foundations, chimneys, and walls to prevent water penetration that accelerates decay. 

Building a brick wall, with arrows indicating brick placement.

Masonry restoration

For historic homes—matching mortar composition and technique is crucial for authenticity and longevity.

The Repair Assessment — How We Diagnose Problems

Person in black hoodie on rooftop, adjusting chimney cap.
Stone wall with rectangular, multi-colored blocks.
Diagonal pattern of weathered, rectangular bricks in varying shades of tan and terracotta.
Gray wall with a long, jagged crack running vertically through it.
Gray concrete sidewalk with a large crack running through one of the sections.
White stone pavers arranged in a pattern with dark gravel filling the spaces between.

Tuck Pointing & Repointing

Repointing replaces deteriorated mortar that has lost bond or become porous. Proper repointing uses:

  • Mortar matched in color, texture, and compressive strength to the original. 
  • Careful joint removal techniques to avoid damaging masonry faces. 
  • Controlled application and tooling for a clean finish and improved weather resistance.

Chimney Repair & Rebuilding

Common chimney issues include:

  • Deteriorated mortar around flue tiles. 
  • Spalling bricks due to moisture penetration and freeze-thaw cycles. 
  • Damaged crowns and missing caps that allow water infiltration. 
  • Faulty flashing that leaks where the chimney meets the roof.

We provide:

  • Flue liner inspections and replacements. 
  • Crown reconstruction and installation of proper caps. 
  • Chimney rebuilding where partial failure has occurred. 
  • Flashing repair and waterproofing.

Foundation & Structural Repairs

Cracked or settling foundations may require:

  • Crack stitching and epoxy injection for non-structural hairline cracks. 
  • Underpinning or regrading where settlement indicates soil issues. 
  • Block replacement and reinforced rebuilding for weakened foundation sections.

Waterproofing & Moisture Control

Managing moisture is critical:

  • Exterior waterproofing membranes and proper drainage. 
  • Interior solutions like French drains where exterior access is limited. 
  • Flashing and sealant replacement for chimneys and wall penetrations.

Historic Masonry Restoration

Historic masonry requires materials and techniques that respect the original construction:

  • Matching lime-based mortars for older bricks and softer masonry units. 
  • Reuse of salvaged bricks where possible to maintain appearance. 
  • Minimal intervention strategies to preserve historic character while improving performance.

Emergency Masonry Services

When masonry issues pose immediate risks—leaning chimneys, collapsed walls, or major cracks—Harvin Masonry offers emergency assessments and stabilization measures to secure the site, followed by comprehensive repair solutions.

How Harvin Masonry Executes Repairs

01.

Detailed inspection and diagnosis

We document conditions and propose prioritized repair steps. 

02.

Written estimate with options

Clear scope, timeline, and warranty. 

03.

Preparation and protection

Site protection and containment to minimize dust and disruption. 

04.

Repair work

Skilled masons perform mortar removal, brick replacement, chimney rebuilding, crack repair, or waterproofing using industry best practices. 

05.

Cleanup and final inspection

We ensure a clean site and walk through completed work with you.

Materials and Compatibility

Matching repair materials is critical to avoid future damage:

  • Mortar compressive strength should be compatible with masonry units—hard modern cement mortars can damage historic soft bricks. 
  • Color-matching and joint tooling preserve visual consistency. 
  • Using compatible salts and additives to avoid efflorescence and surface deterioration.

Maintenance of Walkways and Walls

  • Inspect mortar joints annually and repoint where needed. 
  • Clean surfaces to remove moss or organic build-up that can become slippery. 
  • Refill paver joints and reseal if recommended for your paver type. 
  • Ensure drainage systems are clear of debris to prevent pressure build-up behind walls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Black speech bubbles, one with a question mark.

  • How can I tell if my mortar needs repointing?

    Look for crumbling mortar, gaps deeper than 1/4 inch, visible brick edges, or water infiltration signs. If you can scrape out the mortar with a screwdriver, repointing is likely needed.

Black speech bubble with a white question mark, indicating a question or query.

  • How long does tuck pointing last?

    Properly executed repointing can last decades depending on exposure and prevailing weather conditions. Quality materials and workmanship are essential.

Black speech bubbles with a question mark.

  • Will you match the mortar and brick color for historic homes?

    Yes. We take care to match mortar composition and color, and source reclaimed brick when required for historic restorations.


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  • How quickly can you respond to emergency masonry failures?

    We prioritize emergency calls and provide temporary stabilization followed by a detailed repair plan.

    +1 (803) 466-0399

Contact

If you suspect masonry problems, don’t wait. Early repair prevents larger, more expensive issues down the road.

Harvin Masonry is located at 126 North View Road, West Columbia, SC 29169 and serves West Columbia and nearby communities with responsive, experienced masonry repair services.