Masonry Repair in Upper Arlington, OH
Upper Arlington is full of brick and stone homes, from houses in the city's earliest neighborhoods to the brick ranches and two-stories built after World War II. Many of these walls and chimneys are now old enough that their first mortar has worn out.
Masonry work for Upper Arlington homes
Older Upper Arlington homes often have tall brick chimneys, stone accents, brick front steps and garden or retaining walls along sloped lots. Repairs focus on mortar that suits the age of the brick, crowns that shed water, and steps and walls that drain properly.
Issues we often see
- Original mortar receding on chimneys and gable walls of older brick homes
- Cracked chimney crowns and loose top courses above the roofline
- Brick and stone front steps that have settled or crack after salt and freeze-thaw
- Garden and retaining walls along sloped yards that lean or lose stones
Permits and building rules in Upper Arlington
Upper Arlington runs its own Building Division, which reviews plans, issues permits and inspects work under the Residential Code of Ohio and the City's own codified ordinances. Larger masonry projects, such as rebuilding a chimney, building a new retaining wall or changing an entry stoop, may need a permit and plan review. The City lists the review steps on its building and plans submission page. Routine tuckpointing is usually handled differently from a structural rebuild, so check with the Building Division about your specific project before work starts.
Why older Upper Arlington brick needs careful mortar work
Brick laid in the early and middle 1900s was often set in softer mortar than what's sold in bags today. Repointing those walls with hard modern mortar can trap moisture and break the brick faces. The repair mortar should be softer than the brick and matched to the existing joints in color, texture and profile. The National Park Service's Preservation Brief 2 explains why.
Tall chimneys are common on these homes, and they take the most weather. Our chimney repair and tuckpointing pages explain what each repair involves.
Services available in Upper Arlington
Tuckpointing
Replace failing mortar joints before freeze-thaw opens larger paths for water.
Brick Repair & Replacement
Remove damaged brick units and rebuild with matched brick and compatible mortar.
Chimney Repair
Crown, flashing-adjacent masonry, and brick rebuilds that stop roof-line leaks.
Masonry Steps & Stoops
Rebuild cracked brick and stone entry steps so they drain and stay solid underfoot.
Retaining Walls
Repair and rebuild failing stone or brick retaining walls that hold grade.
Foundation & Stone Wall Repair
Masonry repairs on exposed foundation walls and above-grade stone assemblies.
Masonry Waterproofing & Sealing
Seal open joints and apply masonry-compatible water repellents after repairs.
Nearby areas
FAQ — Upper Arlington
Do you serve Upper Arlington, Ohio?
Yes. Columbus Masonry Repair serves Upper Arlington and the wider Columbus metro. Use the estimate form and select Upper Arlington as your city.
What masonry problems are common in Upper Arlington?
Open mortar joints, chimney crown cracks, spalled brick, settled stoops, and retaining walls that lean after wet seasons — driven largely by freeze-thaw and drainage.
How do I get a masonry estimate in Upper Arlington?
Submit the form with name, phone, and project notes. An on-site look is usually needed before a firm scope.
Which services are available?
Tuckpointing, brick repair, chimney repair, steps and stoops, retaining walls, foundation/stone wall masonry repair, and sealing. See the services list.