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Tuckpointing

The Benefits of Tuckpointing

Have you checked the condition of your chimney and brick lately? The mortar needs to be replaced at some point; it typically lasts about 25 years. Once the mortar deteriorates, moisture can enter your chimney system. In the Midwest, ice can cause your brick, stone, and cement masonry to break apart, as a result of moisture.  This process is called the freeze thaw effect. If the chimney isn’t repaired correctly, it can start to suffer structurally and ultimately could collapse. In addition, moisture can cause other costly problems and integrity issues. Tuckpointing is a repair that stops the process of destruction

There are distinct benefits to tuckpointing your chimney when the mortar is weakened, including the following:

  • Tuckpointing helps stop the process of corrosion.
  • When mortar deteriorates, moisture can get into the chimney and cause the stone or brick masonry to break apart.
  • Tuckpointing extends the life of the chimney by providing a basically waterproof mortar joint.
  • Tuckpointing restores your chimney’s structural stability.
  • If weakened mortar joints are not repaired, a complete chimney rebuild will eventually be needed.
  • It saves you money to repair and maintain the structure instead of having to rebuild the structure due to deterioration.
  • Tuckpointing acts as a defense against moisture. Besides damaging the chimney itself, unseen damage is caused by moisture in the chimney, such as mildew, mold, wood rot, efflorescence, and more.
  • The original aesthetic beauty of your chimney is restored with tuckpointing.
  • The value of your home is increased when your chimney is in good condition.

If you have questions about the condition of your chimney brick or the brick on your home, contact our professionals for an evaluation.  We will answer all of your questions and provide you with options to move forward.

What is Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing is another way of saying that you are replacing old mortar with new mortar. The crumbling mortar is ground out to a certain depth and replaced with new. Our professionals have the skills and experience to identify the scope of the job that needs to be done and to produce the best results.

When is Tuckpointing Needed?

There are some signs of deteriorating mortar that are easy to spot. Weakened mortar leads to moisture getting into the brick or stone masonry, and the masonry will flake, chip, or pop off as a result. You can test your mortar by lightly rubbing a flat screwdriver across it. If a powdered material is scratched up, it’s time to repair your masonry.  Our professionals would be happy to help you evaluate the condition of your chimney and brick.

Step-by-Step Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is a labor-intensive process that involves grinding out damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar.  The correct mortar must be used to ensure the best structural and visual results.  When the job is done correctly, the original shape of the bricks and mortar is recreated.

An overview of the steps for tuckpointing are as follows:

  • Ground out the old mortar to a uniform depth.
  • Wash, rinse, or clean the joints of debris and dust.
  • Mix in color if the mortar is to be color matched.
  • Push in the new correct mortar with the correct tuck-pointing trowel.
  • Wait until the mortar has partially set and then brush the joints for a clean bond.
  • Use the tuck-point tool one last time for a smooth finish.

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Project:
Tuckpointing

This is a stone home that we tuckpointed.  Some of the stones were loose and moisture was getting behind the masonry.  We ground out the joints and repacked it with new mortar.  This brought structure back to the loose stone, created a moisture barrier, and brought new life to the structure.  Once we completed the project, we sealed the masonry for added protection and the stone looked brand new.  We give free estimates and evaluations of all of your masonry needs. Call today for a free quote.