Church & Historic Masonry Restoration
Preserving sacred and historic structures with 36+ years of masonry craftsmanship.
Church and historic masonry restoration requires specialized knowledge that goes beyond typical residential work — historic mortar matching, preservation-appropriate techniques, stained glass protection, and the scaffolding capabilities to reach tall steeples and towers. McNamara Masonry Restoration brings over three decades of masonry expertise to these projects, working with congregations to develop phased restoration plans that preserve these irreplaceable structures while respecting budget realities.
Why Church Masonry Needs Specialized Care
Churches and historic buildings aren't just older versions of residential masonry — they're fundamentally different in construction, materials, and preservation requirements.
- Historic mortar composition — soft lime mortar that requires matching, not modern Portland cement that can damage old brick
- Scale and height — steeples, towers, and tall facades require specialized scaffolding and safety
- Irreplaceable elements — stained glass, carved stone, and architectural details that must be protected
- Preservation standards — historic district and landmark requirements for materials and techniques
- Congregation budgets — the need for phased plans that prioritize urgent work
- Continued use — work must accommodate ongoing services and events
Our Church Masonry Services
🧱 Repointing & Tuckpointing
Mortar joint restoration with historically matched mortar. Proper composition, color, and joint profile for the building's era and construction type.
🪨 Stone & Brick Replacement
Sourcing and installing matching stone or brick to replace damaged units. Maintaining the building's visual continuity and structural integrity.
⛪ Steeple & Tower Restoration
Complete steeple and bell tower masonry restoration. Specialized scaffolding for safe, thorough access to the highest points of the structure.
💧 Masonry Waterproofing
Breathable masonry coatings (Thorolastic/Sherlastic) that keep water out while letting moisture vapor escape — critical for historic masonry.
🪟 Window Surround Repair
Stone and brick repair around window openings, including stained glass window protection during all adjacent masonry work.
🏗️ Facade Restoration
Comprehensive facade assessment and restoration — repointing, stone replacement, lintel repair, cap stone work, and waterproofing as a complete system.
Phased Restoration — Working With Your Budget
We understand that congregations work within real budget constraints. Our phased approach lets you protect your building over time.
Emergency & Active Damage
Address areas causing active water intrusion — failed flashing, severely deteriorated mortar joints, damaged cap stones. Stop the bleeding first.
Structural & Weatherproofing
Comprehensive repointing, lintel repair, and stone replacement on the most exposed facades. Prevent further deterioration.
Cosmetic & Protective
Remaining facades, waterproof coating, window surround restoration, and detail work. Complete the restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — McNamara Masonry Restoration has over 36 years of experience working with churches, historic buildings, and large-scale masonry structures. Church masonry presents unique challenges: tall walls requiring specialized scaffolding, historic mortar matching, preservation requirements, stained glass window protection, and the need to maintain the building's architectural character. We have the equipment, expertise, and respect for these structures that the work demands.
Church masonry projects vary widely based on scope — from targeted repointing at $10,000-$30,000 to comprehensive restoration projects that can run $50,000-$200,000 or more for large structures. We provide detailed assessments with phased options so congregations can plan and budget over time. Many churches spread restoration over multiple phases to manage costs.
Yes — mortar matching is critical for both appearance and structural performance. Using the wrong mortar on historic masonry can actually cause damage: modern Portland cement mortar is too hard for soft historic brick and will cause spalling. We analyze the existing mortar composition and match the type, color, and joint profile to preserve both the structural integrity and the historic character of the building.
Yes. We understand the requirements for working with historic structures, including Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. For buildings on the National Register or in historic districts, we use appropriate materials and techniques that preserve the building's historic character while addressing structural and weatherproofing concerns.
Absolutely — we regularly work with churches and congregations to develop phased restoration plans. We'll assess the entire building, prioritize the most urgent work (typically the areas causing active water damage), and create a multi-year plan that addresses everything in order of importance. This lets you maintain the building while spreading costs over time.
Our church masonry services include repointing and tuckpointing, stone and brick replacement, lintel repair and replacement, steeple and tower restoration, waterproofing with breathable masonry coatings, window surround repair, parapet wall restoration, cap stone replacement, and flashing repair. We also do stone veneer applications and complete facade restoration.
Stained glass windows are irreplaceable, and we treat them that way. We install protective coverings before any masonry work begins near windows, use scaffolding configurations that avoid window contact, and take special care with mortar removal and application near window openings. We've worked around stained glass on numerous church projects without incident.
Get Your Free Estimate
Tell us about your project and we'll provide a detailed assessment — no obligation.