Masonry Restoration & Historic Preservation in Indianapolis, IN
Bringing old and historic masonry back to sound condition the right way.
The problem, explained
Restoration is not repair. The goal is to return old masonry to sound condition while preserving its character, using materials compatible with the original. That means soft lime mortar on old brick, matched stone, and joint profiles that respect the period. The most common failure in restoration is using modern materials on old masonry — hard mortar on soft brick that forces the faces off. Preservation is the opposite of demolition: it keeps what is there and makes it last.
How we do it
- 1Assess the masonry's age, original materials, and current condition.
- 2Determine the correct mortar composition — often a soft lime mortar for pre-20th-century work.
- 3Repoint, replace, and stabilize using materials compatible with the original.
- 4Match joint profiles, brick, and stone to the period of the building.
- 5In historic districts, work through the required Certificate of Appropriateness process.
What it costs to think about
Restoration is priced by the scope, the materials required (lime mortar costs more than modern), the access, and whether historic approval is involved. We give a written estimate after assessing the building.
We don't publish price lists because the scope varies too much from job to job. The honest number comes from seeing your wall, your chimney, or your site in person. Read more about how masonry work is priced in Indianapolis.
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Masonry Restoration & Historic Preservation — frequently asked questions
What is the difference between restoration and repair?
Repair fixes what is broken. Restoration returns the whole wall or building to sound condition while preserving its original character and materials. Restoration uses compatible materials — soft lime mortar on old brick — where a repair might use whatever is on the truck.
Why does old mortar matter so much?
Older brick is soft, and the original mortar was soft too — usually lime-based. If you repoint old brick with hard modern mortar, the joint becomes stronger than the brick, movement goes into the brick face, and the faces spall off irreversibly. Matching the original mortar is the core of the work.
Do you work on buildings in historic districts?
Yes. In locally designated historic districts, exterior masonry work generally requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from the local preservation commission, which reviews mortar composition, joint profile, and brick match. We have been through the process and handle it as part of the work.
Is being on the National Register the same as being in a historic district?
No. A locally designated historic district imposes an approval requirement on exterior work. Being listed on the National Register alone does not, by itself, impose that requirement on a private owner. We explain the distinction and confirm what applies to your property.
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