Use these tips to restore your Edina brickwork.
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Your Edina home is more than just a place to live—it's an investment in one of Minnesota's most prestigious communities. Whether you own a stately Tudor from the 1920s in the Country Club District or a contemporary two-story built in the 1990s near Centennial Lakes, your home's masonry reflects both its architectural heritage and your commitment to maintaining property value in this competitive market.
But when brick problems emerge—crumbling mortar, spalling surfaces, or water stains—you face a challenge that many Edina homeowners don't fully appreciate: the approach that works for a historic home can actually damage a modern one, and techniques appropriate for newer construction may be completely wrong for older masonry.
You're not just looking for someone to patch brick. You need a masonry contractor who understands the fundamental differences between historic and modern masonry systems, who respects Edina's architectural diversity, and who can deliver solutions that preserve your home's character while protecting your investment for decades to come.
Edina stands out in the Twin Cities for its remarkable range of architectural styles spanning nearly a century. Drive through the Country Club District, and you'll see grand Colonials and elegant Tudors from the 1920s and 1930s. Head toward Southdale, and you encounter mid-century ranches and split-levels from the 1950s and 1960s. The newer developments near Braemar feature contemporary homes built in the 1990s and 2000s with modern masonry systems.
This diversity creates a unique challenge: each era used different brick types, different mortar formulations, different construction techniques, and different architectural details. What works perfectly for one style can cause serious damage to another.
Historic Edina homes (pre-1950) typically feature:
Modern Edina homes (post-1970) typically feature:
When contractors don't understand these differences, they make devastating mistakes:
For Edina homeowners, these mistakes mean more than just aesthetic problems—they represent significant financial loss. Improperly restored historic masonry reduces property value in neighborhoods where historical integrity commands premium prices. Poorly repaired modern masonry creates safety issues and expensive reconstruction needs.
At Fredrickson Masonry, we've been serving Edina homeowners since 2010. Our founder, Dylan Fredrickson, started in masonry during high school and has accumulated decades of hands-on experience with both historic restoration and modern repair techniques.
What sets us apart in Edina specifically is our understanding that your home isn't just "brick"—it's a specific type of masonry system that demands appropriate materials, techniques, and expertise. We approach historic Colonials differently than we approach contemporary builds because they are fundamentally different systems that require different solutions.
When Edina homeowners contact us, we start by understanding their home's era, construction type, and architectural significance. Only then can we recommend solutions that actually work—solutions that preserve property value, respect architectural integrity, and deliver the long-term protection that Minnesota's freeze-thaw climate demands.
We also serve Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Prior Lake, Richfield, and surrounding Twin Cities communities, but Edina's unique architectural landscape requires specialized knowledge that guides every project we complete here.
Let's start with what Edina homeowners with historic properties need to understand about proper restoration.
Why historic brick requires different treatment:
Historic brick wasn't just "worse" than modern brick—it was intentionally made differently for specific performance characteristics. Pre-1950 brick was typically:
Softer and more porous: Historic brick absorbed and released moisture readily. This wasn't a flaw—it was by design. In masonry systems without modern vapor barriers and drainage systems, the brick needed to breathe and allow moisture to evaporate.
More varied in appearance: Handmade or early machine-made brick showed natural color variations, size differences, and surface textures that gave historic homes their distinctive character. This variation wasn't considered a defect—it was expected and appreciated.
Paired with lime mortar: Historic masons used lime-based mortar that was deliberately softer than the brick. This critical design principle meant the mortar—not the expensive brick—would be the sacrificial element that eroded first. When maintenance was needed, masons could repoint the mortar while preserving the original brick.
The fundamental restoration principle:
Any historic brick restoration must follow one non-negotiable rule: the new mortar must be softer than the brick.
This is where many Edina restoration projects go wrong. Well-intentioned contractors use modern Portland cement mortar because it's stronger, more readily available, and what they're familiar with. But this "stronger is better" approach destroys historic brick.
Here's why: when freeze-thaw cycles create expansion stress (remember, ice expands by up to 9% as it freezes), something has to give. If the mortar is harder than the brick, the brick fails—surfaces spall, faces crack, and edges crumble. Once the brick is damaged, you can't repair it—you have to replace it, often with modern brick that doesn't match.
Proper historic restoration requires lime-based mortar or carefully formulated mortars that replicate historic strength characteristics. This isn't "old fashioned"—it's engineering masonry systems where the replaceable element (mortar) fails before the irreplaceable element (brick).
Matching historic brick and mortar:
When Fredrickson Masonry works on Edina's historic homes, significant effort goes into matching original materials:
Brick matching involves:
Mortar matching involves:
This attention to matching detail matters tremendously in Edina's historic districts. Property values depend partly on architectural authenticity. Mismatched repairs stand out to educated buyers and trained appraisers, potentially costing sellers tens of thousands in reduced sale prices.
Preserving architectural details:
Historic Edina homes feature masonry details that modern construction rarely includes:
Corbelling: Stepped brick patterns that extend beyond the wall plane, often at cornices and chimney tops
Soldier courses: Vertical brick rows used as decorative banding or window headers
Flemish bond and other patterns: Complex brick-laying patterns where header courses (bricks laid perpendicular to the wall) create visual interest
Limestone accents: Carved limestone elements integrated with brick, particularly around entries and windows
Custom arches: Hand-formed masonry arches over windows and doors
Restoring these features requires masonry skills that go beyond basic repair work. At Fredrickson Masonry, we've restored elaborate Tudor chimneys, rebuilt decorative corbelling on Colonial homes, and matched complex brick patterns on Edina properties where maintaining historical accuracy was paramount.
The drainage consideration:
Historic masonry walls were built with drainage systems that modern contractors often don't recognize:
When restoring historic masonry, these systems must be maintained or recreated. Filling in weep holes, disturbing flashing, or not understanding wythe construction can trap moisture and cause problems worse than the original issue you were addressing.
Now let's discuss what Edina homeowners with modern homes (roughly post-1970) need to understand about their masonry systems.
The brick veneer difference:
Most modern Edina homes don't have solid masonry walls—they have brick veneer. This fundamental difference affects everything about how repairs should be approached.
Brick veneer systems consist of:
This system works differently than historic masonry:
Common modern brick problems:
Mortar deterioration: Even modern mortar fails over time, particularly in Minnesota's freeze-thaw climate. Tuckpointing becomes necessary, typically after 25-40 years.
Tie failure: The metal ties holding brick veneer to the structure can corrode and fail, causing the brick to separate from the building. This is serious and requires immediate attention.
Weep hole clogging: Debris, insect nests, or improper landscaping can block weep holes, trapping moisture in the wall cavity.
Flashing failure: Incorrectly installed or deteriorated flashing allows water behind the brick, causing wood rot, insulation damage, and interior water problems.
Thermal movement cracks: Modern brick expands and contracts with temperature changes. If expansion joints weren't properly incorporated, stress cracks develop.
Proper modern brick repair:
Tuckpointing modern homes: The mortar used in modern brick repair should match the original Portland cement-based mortar. Unlike historic restoration where lime mortar is preferred, modern brick paired with Portland cement mortar should be repointed with similar modern mortar.
However, the mortar should still be slightly softer than the brick. Even with modern materials, the mortar should be the sacrificial element. Professional contractors test mortar strength and formulate mixes that provide durability without being harder than the brick.
Addressing veneer-specific issues: When repairing modern brick veneer, contractors must:
Simply repointing the mortar without addressing these veneer-specific components often fails to solve the underlying problem.
Color matching modern brick: Modern brick manufacturing produces very consistent products, which creates both advantages and challenges. The good news: finding replacement brick that matches is usually easier than with historic brick. The challenge: even small color differences are more noticeable against the uniform appearance of modern brick.
Quality contractors maintain relationships with brick suppliers and understand which manufacturers and product lines were commonly used in Edina during different eras. This knowledge helps achieve seamless repairs.
Regardless of your home's age, Minnesota's weather poses severe challenges:
Freeze-thaw cycling: We've mentioned this repeatedly because it's the primary destructive force. Water penetrates masonry, freezes, expands, and breaks apart materials from the inside. This cycle repeats 40-60 times each winter in the Twin Cities.
Historic brick, being more porous, absorbs more water—but it was designed to release that water through evaporation. Modern brick absorbs less but may trap what does penetrate if drainage systems fail.
Extreme temperature swings: Minnesota regularly experiences 60-80°F temperature swings between daytime highs and nighttime lows during spring and fall. These swings cause expansion and contraction stress that works mortar joints loose and creates microcracks.
Precipitation extremes: From summer downpours to spring snow melt to fall rain, Edina homes face constant moisture assault. Proper drainage, flashing, and weatherproofing are essential regardless of construction era.
Ice dam potential: Edina's mature tree canopy and varied roof designs create conditions for ice dams—those ridges of ice that form at roof edges and force water backward under shingles. Where chimneys penetrate roofs, ice dams can drive water into masonry systems from the side.
Both historic and modern masonry must be protected from these climate challenges. The specific techniques differ, but the goal remains the same: keep water out, allow necessary moisture to escape, and maintain material integrity through extreme conditions.
Different Edina neighborhoods present different masonry challenges and opportunities:
Country Club District (Historic Core):
This area contains Edina's oldest and most prestigious homes—Colonials, Tudors, and Mediterranean revivals from the 1920s-1940s. Properties here command premium prices partly based on architectural authenticity.
Masonry considerations:
When working in the Country Club District, Fredrickson Masonry prioritizes authentic restoration that respects each home's architectural heritage while providing modern protection against Minnesota's climate.
Cahill Village / Indian Hills:
These mid-century neighborhoods feature ranches, split-levels, and modest two-stories from the 1950s-1970s. Masonry is typically brick veneer with simpler details than historic areas.
Masonry considerations:
Braemar / Highlands:
These newer areas contain contemporary homes from the 1990s-2010s with modern masonry systems, mixed materials (stone and brick combinations), and current building codes.
Masonry considerations:
Based on our decade-plus serving Edina, these are the most common masonry needs we encounter:
Chimney repair and restoration:
Both historic and modern Edina homes rely on chimneys for fireplaces and heating systems. Common chimney issues include:
Historic chimneys often feature decorative elements—elaborate corbelling, multiple flues, limestone accents—that require specialized restoration skills. Modern chimneys are typically simpler but still face Minnesota's weather challenges and need proper protection.
Tuckpointing and mortar repair:
As mortar deteriorates, tuckpointing becomes necessary to prevent water infiltration and brick damage. The approach differs based on home age:
Historic homes: Require lime-based or carefully matched mortar, removal of old mortar to proper depth (avoiding power tools that damage soft brick), and attention to original joint profiles and tooling patterns.
Modern homes: Can use Portland cement-based mortar similar to the original, often allow faster power tool mortar removal (with care), and typically feature simple joint profiles.
Both require understanding Minnesota's seasonal timing—tuckpointing must occur during appropriate temperature windows (40-90°F) for proper curing.
Brick repair and replacement:
When individual bricks are damaged beyond repair, replacement becomes necessary. This is more common on historic homes where softer brick may have spalled or cracked, but modern homes also experience brick damage from impacts, settling, or extreme weather.
Quality brick replacement involves:
Fireplace updates and restoration:
Edina homeowners frequently update fireplaces to match changing design trends or restore historic features:
Historic homes: May restore original fireplace surrounds, rebuild deteriorated brick, or update while respecting architectural character. See our guide on 2026 fireplace trends that work with various architectural styles.
Modern homes: Often update dated 1980s-1990s brick fireplaces with contemporary finishes, stacked stone, or whitewashed brick for fresh, current looks.
Exterior masonry cleaning and waterproofing:
Minnesota's environment deposits dirt, organic growth, and efflorescence on masonry surfaces. Professional cleaning restores appearance while avoiding damage from improper techniques.
Following cleaning, appropriate waterproofing protects masonry from Minnesota's moisture challenges:
Historic homes: Require breathable waterproofing that allows moisture vapor to escape while repelling liquid water
Modern homes: Also benefit from breathable products, with additional attention to maintaining weep hole function and drainage systems
When Edina homeowners choose Fredrickson Masonry, they're working with contractors who understand that different homes require different approaches:
Historic expertise: We've restored elaborate Tudor chimneys, matched 1920s brick on Colonial homes, and rebuilt decorative corbelling on Mediterranean revivals. We understand lime mortar, soft brick characteristics, and the architectural details that make historic homes special.
Modern proficiency: We work with current brick veneer systems, understand tie and flashing requirements, and properly integrate masonry repairs with modern building systems. We know how to tuckpoint 1990s homes as expertly as we restore 1920s properties.
Minnesota focus: Our 15+ years in the Twin Cities means we understand freeze-thaw challenges, optimal seasonal timing, and the moisture protection strategies that actually work in our climate.
Architectural respect: We don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. Your Country Club District Colonial receives different treatment than your Braemar contemporary because they're fundamentally different buildings with different needs.
Communication and integrity: We explain exactly what your home needs and why, provide transparent pricing, and never recommend unnecessary work. When we say something can wait, we mean it. When we say it's urgent, we explain why.
Complete service: From assessment through completion, we handle every aspect of your masonry needs: chimney repair, tuckpointing, brick replacement, fireplace restoration, waterproofing, and preventive maintenance.
In Edina's competitive real estate market, proper masonry maintenance and restoration directly affect property values:
Historic home premium: Authentic, well-maintained historic properties command significant premiums over those with improper repairs or deferred maintenance. Buyers paying Country Club District prices expect architectural integrity.
Curb appeal impact: Regardless of home age, deteriorating brick, failed mortar, and water-stained chimneys signal deferred maintenance that reduces buyer interest and provides negotiating leverage.
Inspection issues: Real estate inspectors specifically flag masonry problems. Buyers often demand repairs before closing or request price reductions to cover anticipated work.
Long-term cost control: Addressing masonry problems early—when they're manageable and relatively affordable—prevents exponentially more expensive repairs later. Delayed tuckpointing leads to brick replacement. Ignored water infiltration causes structural damage.
Energy efficiency: Properly maintained masonry provides better insulation and weather protection, reducing heating and cooling costs in Minnesota's extreme climate.
Whether you own a stately 1920s home in the Country Club District or a contemporary residence near Centennial Lakes, your masonry deserves expert attention from contractors who understand the specific requirements of your home's era and construction type.
Don't trust your Edina property to contractors who treat all brick the same. Don't risk using inappropriate materials or techniques that could damage your investment. And don't delay addressing masonry problems that worsen with every Minnesota freeze-thaw cycle.
Contact Fredrickson Masonry today or call 952-454-0127 to schedule your comprehensive masonry assessment. We'll evaluate your home's specific masonry system, explain exactly what needs attention, and provide transparent pricing for solutions that respect your home's architecture while protecting your investment.
We serve Edina, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Prior Lake, Richfield, and the entire Twin Cities with masonry services that last for generations.
Your Edina home deserves craftsmanship that matches its quality. Contact us today to protect your investment with masonry expertise that understands the difference between historic restoration and modern repair—and delivers exactly what your home needs.
Fredrickson Masonry & Chimney Repair: Excellence in craftsmanship, communication & service since 2010. Specializing in historic brick restoration and modern masonry repair throughout Edina and the Twin Cities metro.
