Masonry Contractor in Rochester, MN

Water intrusion through deteriorating mortar joints causes more damage than most homeowners realize. What looks like minor crumbling on the outside often means serious problems inside your walls. Water gets behind the bricks, freezes in winter, and expands. This cycle breaks down the structure from the inside out.

The damage happens gradually but accelerates quickly once it starts. You might notice white staining on bricks, loose or spalling bricks, damp spots inside walls, or increased heating and cooling costs. These are all signs that water has found its way in. Left untreated, water intrusion leads to mold growth, wood rot, insulation damage, and structural weakness that costs thousands to repair.

Tuckpointing stops this damage before it spreads. We remove the old, crumbling mortar and replace it with fresh material that seals out water. This process restores the weather barrier your masonry needs to protect your home. The work also improves energy efficiency and prevents expensive interior damage. We recommend inspecting mortar joints every few years and addressing problems promptly. Waiting to fix deteriorating mortar always costs more in the long run. Small tuckpointing projects prevent major reconstruction work later.

Retaining walls hold back tons of soil and water pressure. When they start to fail, the damage accelerates quickly. You might see cracks in the wall face, tilting or leaning sections, bulging or bowing in the middle, gaps between blocks or stones, or soil erosion around the base. These signs mean the wall is losing its structural integrity.

Wall failure happens for several reasons. Poor drainage is the most common cause. Without proper drainage behind the wall, water pressure builds up and pushes the structure forward. Inadequate foundation preparation also leads to settling and shifting. Sometimes the wall was simply not built strong enough for the soil conditions. Whatever the cause, a failing retaining wall needs immediate attention.

We fix failing walls by addressing the root problems. For drainage issues, we install proper drainage systems behind the wall to relieve water pressure. For foundation problems, we rebuild the base with adequate compaction and materials. Sometimes partial rebuilding is enough. Other times, the entire wall needs replacement. We assess each situation honestly and recommend the most cost-effective solution. Our rebuilt walls include engineered bases, proper drainage, and appropriate reinforcement for your soil conditions. We follow local building codes and use proven construction methods. Contact us for a free retaining wall assessment before minor problems become major emergencies.