University City, MO
Masonry Contractor in University City, MO
University City’s older brick homes and local historic districts call for restoration-minded masonry: soft brick, compatible mortar, and careful cleaning.
- County
- St. Louis County (inner ring)
- Key services
- RestorationTuckpointingChimney RepairBrick Repair
- Nearby
- St. LouisFlorissant
- From
- Based in St. Peters
Historic brick needs a lighter touch
University City’s oldest buildings date to the early 1900s. Its City Hall, for example, was built in 1903. Brick homes and apartment buildings from the first half of the 20th century are a big part of the city’s character.
Brick of that age is often softer than modern brick and was laid in lime-based mortar. Repointing with hard modern mortar or cleaning with high pressure can damage it permanently, which is why the approach here leans toward restoration.
Common masonry problems on older University City buildings
Spalling from hard repointing
Brick faces breaking off next to cement-rich patch joints.
Restoration →
Eroded lime mortar
Soft joints washed out on the most exposed walls.
Tuckpointing →
Chimneys and parapets
Loose brick at the top of chimneys and along roof edges.
Chimney repair →
Cracked arches and lintels
Movement over window openings in older brick walls.
Masonry repair →
Services that fit University City homes
Planned restoration for older brick: a condition assessment of each wall, gentle cleaning after test patches, compatible repointing, and matched replacement brick. Poor earlier repairs, such as gray cement patches on soft brick, are corrected rather than repeated.
Repointing with softer, lime-rich mortar that protects historic brick. Joints are raked out carefully so brick edges aren’t chipped, then packed and tooled to match the original profile and color.
Crowns, repointing, and partial rebuilds matched to the original brick. On older chimneys, rebuilding above the roofline often reuses the original brick where it’s sound.
Cracked brick arches, rusting lintels, loose steps, and isolated spalled brick, repaired with materials that suit the rest of the wall.
Historic districts and permit review in University City
University City has local historic districts overseen by its Historic Preservation Commission, which reviews proposed changes within those districts. Under the city’s zoning code, building permit applications for work on a historic landmark, within a historic district, or within 300 feet of one are referred to the commission for review. In at least one district, the code specifically lists tuckpointing among the exterior work that needs a permit and commission review.
The city publishes an interactive map of its historic districts and landmarks. If your property is in or near one, check before scheduling work. We can supply details of materials and methods for the review.
Brick and limestone together
Many older University City buildings combine brick with limestone trim, sills, and details. City Hall is a well-known example: built in 1903 as the Woman’s Magazine Building, it’s an octagonal, five-story brick and limestone building in the Beaux-Arts style, and its renovation included exterior tuckpointing.
Brick and limestone weather differently, and they don’t always tolerate the same treatments. Acidic cleaners that some contractors use on brick can etch limestone, and hard mortar next to soft stone pushes damage into the stone. Where the two meet, cleaning methods and mortar are chosen for the more delicate material.
Apartment and multi-family buildings
Older brick apartment and multi-family buildings have the same masonry issues as houses, at a bigger scale: parapets, chimneys, lintels, and entire elevations that need repointing. Scaffolding, access for residents, and keeping entries and walkways usable all become part of the plan.
Phasing the work by elevation or by season spreads out the cost and disruption. Water problems at the top of the building usually come first.
Scheduling masonry work in University City
Check district status
Look up your address on the city’s historic districts map, or give us the address and we’ll help.
Assessment and mortar choice
We identify the brick and existing mortar before recommending a repointing mix.
Permit and review
Where required, the permit and commission review come before work starts.
Questions from University City homeowners
Do you use lime mortar on older University City homes?
Where the brick calls for it. Softer, breathable mortar protects historic brick.
Do I need historic approval before tuckpointing?
If your property is in or within 300 feet of a local historic district or landmark, permit applications are referred to the Historic Preservation Commission. Check with the city first.
Will you pressure-wash or sandblast my brick?
No. Both damage the face of older brick. We use the gentlest cleaning method that works.
Can new mortar match a 100-year-old wall?
Closely, when the sand, lime content, and color are matched and the joints are tooled to the original profile. New mortar looks fresh at first and weathers in.
Does the Historic Preservation Commission review National Register properties?
The commission's jurisdiction covers University City's local historic districts and landmarks, not National Register districts or landmarks. Local designation is what triggers its review.
Masonry work in University City? Let's talk.
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For the quickest answer, call (669) 326-4536. Otherwise, leave your details and we’ll get back to you.
Hours
Mon to Sat, 8 AM to 6 PM
Sun, 10 AM to 2 PM
Mon to Sat, 8 AM to 6 PM
Sun, 10 AM to 2 PM