The Hidden Cost of DIY Masonry Repairs

When it comes to maintaining your home’s brickwork, stone, or block, it can be tempting to grab a few store-bought products and tackle the repairs yourself. After all, how hard can it be? The truth is, masonry repair is a skilled trade that requires the right tools, materials, and experience. DIY masonry repairs often do more harm than good—and can end up costing homeowners more money when they fail and require professional correction.

Store-Bought Sealants Are a Short-Term Fix

Walk through any home improvement store, and you’ll find shelves full of masonry sealants and waterproofing sprays promising to “fix cracks” and “stop leaks.” The reality? Most of these products are designed for temporary patch jobs and don’t actually bond or flex properly with masonry over time. - They trap moisture inside. Masonry is meant to breathe and release moisture naturally. A surface sealant can lock in water, leading to internal damage, spalling (flaking), or crumbling. - They fail quickly. When these sealants break down—often within a season or two—they make the underlying masonry harder to repair because they leave a residue that doesn’t allow professional repair materials to adhere correctly.

Store-Bought Mortar Doesn’t Match or Perform Like Professional Mortar

Mortar isn’t “one size fits all.” Different masonry structures require specific mortar mixes based on hardness, flexibility, and even color. - Color mismatches stand out. Most off-the-shelf mortar mixes don’t match the original brick or stone, resulting in patchwork repairs that look worse than the damage itself. - Incorrect hardness leads to failure. Mortar that’s too hard or too soft can damage the surrounding brickwork, often causing cracks or spalling when the structure expands and contracts with weather changes.

Lack of Professional Equipment

Professional masons use specialized saws, grinders, tuckpointing tools, and masonry blades that allow for precise removal and replacement of damaged materials. Without this equipment, DIY repairs are often rough, uneven, and don’t penetrate deeply enough to ensure a lasting repair.

Poor Techniques Lead to Unsightly Repairs

Masonry repair is both a science and an art. Without training, DIY repairs often: - Leave lumpy or uneven joints. - Smear mortar on the face of bricks, staining them permanently. - Fail to create a proper water-shedding joint, which can allow water to seep in and cause more damage over time.

The Cost of Doing It Twice

The biggest downside of DIY masonry repair is that once it fails, it often costs more to fix. Professionals must first undo the damage—removing improper sealants, scraping off poorly applied mortar, or cleaning stained bricks—before performing the correct repair.

Your home’s masonry is a long-term investment that requires proper care. While DIY kits and store-bought products may seem like a cheaper alternative, they rarely provide a lasting or attractive solution. Hiring a professional mason ensures the repair is done right the first time, blending seamlessly with your home’s existing structure and standing strong for years to come.

At Wright Floor Leveling, we’ve seen the aftermath of DIY gone wrong—and we’re here to help you get it right the first time. Our trained masons use the proper materials and proven techniques to ensure your repair lasts for decades, not just a season.