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Revitalizing Your Brickwork: The Art of Tuckpointing

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blank brick wall

Bricks are a classic, durable material for interior and exterior walls, fireplaces, and chimneys. A popular choice for many historical homes and buildings due to their beauty and functionality, bricks could be made by hand, or later on mass-produced by machines, and provided both insulation and fire-resistance. However, as these historic structures age, the mortar filling the joints can deteriorate, causing cracking and crumbling. Tuckpointing offers a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing solution to mortar degradation.

What is brick tuckpointing?

While brick is a sturdy construction material that has proven it can stand the test of time, the same cannot be said for mortar. The typical lifespan of mortar is 20 to 30 years as opposed to bricks, which can withstand centuries when properly cared for, so chances are good that you will have to replace or repair the mortar multiple times in order to prolong the life of your home or building. Exposure to moisture and varying temperatures can cause the mortar between bricks to break down over time, and if not properly addressed, can lead to water damage in your brick structure. It is imperative to maintain your brick home in order to prevent further issues, such as structural instability, mold, mildew, or wood rot. Brick tuckpointing is one way to help counteract the effects of deterioration and refers to the process of repairing deteriorating mortar by removing the old mortar, replacing it with mortar that closely matches that of the bricks, and then filling the center of the new mortar joints with a straight, narrow line of mortar in a contrasting color. This enhances the visual appeal of the brick because it gives the mortar joints a crisp, clean appearance.

Tuckpointing vs. Repointing

An alternative to brick tuckpointing is repointing, and while these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a distinction between the two. Tuckpointing and repointing are slightly different approaches to repairing brick mortar, although tuckpointing is sometimes done as a preventative measure or for visual enhancement. While a few small cracks are not cause for concern, repointing or tuckpointing brick becomes necessary when the mortar starts to crumble and fall out of the cracks. As with tuckpointing, repointing is used to repair mortar when it begins to deteriorate in order to prevent further damage to the brick structure. However, repointing is the process of repairing deteriorating mortar by removing the old mortar and replacing it with new mortar. Because it does not use the second layer of contrasting mortar on top, repointing doesn’t result in the same aesthetically pleasing appearance as tuckpointing. It tends to have a soft, thick, wavy look as opposed to the thin, clean lines of brick tuckpointing.

Brick Tuckpointing Installation

Bricks used to be made using softer materials, so it is important to use the correct methods and materials for tuckpointing, especially in older buildings. For this reason, brick tuckpointing installation is often best left to the professionals. While it may seem more cost effective to do-it-yourself, if you don’t use the proper mortar when tuckpointing old brick, you can end up causing more damage to your structure. Walls were built from softer bricks, and lime was used in mortar mix, resulting in a softer mortar. Modern brick and mortar tend to be made harder, so if a historic brick wall is repaired using modern material, it can result in crumbling brick and compromise the integrity of your structure. Tuckpointing is also a labor-intensive process that requires a lot of skill and precision to apply the contrasting fill lines to the mortar joints. Consider using knowledgeable tuckpointing contractors who have the expertise and experience necessary to do the work correctly and ensure a clean, professional-looking end result.

How to Tuckpoint Bricks

After assessing your brick structure and determining which areas are in need of repair, there are several steps involved in tuckpointing bricks. Whether you decide to tackle the job yourself or hire a professional to complete it for you, here is a play-by-play of the process.

  1. The first thing that needs to be done is to remove the crumbling mortar from between the bricks, approximately three-fourths to one inch deep. While professionals use specialized tools or equipment, DIYers can use a hammer and chisel to complete the job. Fair warning, though, this can be a time-intensive task, especially if you have a lot of mortar to remove. It is also a good idea to wear protective face gear to prevent breathing in the dust and debris or getting it in your eyes.
  2. After removing all of the damaged mortar, be sure to clean out the mortar joints completely of dust and debris. This can be done using a masonry brush or something with high air pressure, such as a leaf blower, and will allow the new mortar to adhere more strongly to the old brick and mortar.
  3. When everything has been properly cleaned, it’s time to mix up the new mortar. It’s important to use mortar that is a close color match to your brick. This is done by mixing dyes or colored pigment with mortar mix, and it can take some trial-and-error to get just the right ratios. If all else fails, take a small sample of your mortar to a masonry supply store and have them match the color for you. Make sure to write down the amounts of pigment and mortar that were needed, so you will have that information on hand for future reference. Remember, also, that the mortar needs to be weaker than the bricks, or you could damage your bricks.
  4. Once you have the correct color of mortar, it’s time to fill in the mortar joints. Using a tuck pointer trowel, push the mortar into the joints from a hawk board. You could also use a mortar pointing gun, but it is crucial that your mortar is the right consistency. The mortar gun will become clogged if the mortar is too dry and could end up being more of a hassle. Start by filling the longer horizontal joints first and then fill the shorter vertical ones. Making sure that you are using the appropriate size tools for your joints will aid you in not getting mortar all over the bricks.
  5. After applying the mortar to the joints, you will need to smooth the wet mortar to match the existing type of joint. Common joints include concave, V, flush, and extruded for external walls and raked, grapevine, struck, and weathered for internal walls.
  6. Wait for the mortar to harden slightly then brush away any excess mortar on the bricks.
  7. While the mortar is still pliable, mark straight lines into the center of the newly filled mortar joints with a tuckpointing tool. Using a straightedge is beneficial for getting the lines as straight as possible.
  8. Finally, apply a lighter colored putty to the grooves to form the contrasting fillets, making sure to clean up any excess. This step requires a great deal of precision to give the finished wall the desired clean, crisp appearance that tuckpointing aims to achieve.

Tuckpointing Tools

Masonry tuckpointing requires a variety of tools and materials, especially if you want more professional looking results. It is important to determine what you will need and make sure you have everything on hand when you begin your project. While some of these may not be necessary for your specific job, let’s take a look at the various tools you could use to complete each step.

  • Mortar removal
      • Hammer
      • Chisel
      • Mortar raking tool
      • Angle grinder or tuckpoint grinder
      • 4 ½ inch diamond masonry blade
      • Extension cord
      • Plastic sheeting
      • Ladder or scaffolding
      • Protective face gear such as respirator, goggles, and hearing protection
      • Gloves
  • Cleaning
      • Masonry brush
      • Wire brush with metal scraper
      • High pressure air nozzle
      • Leaf blower
      • Shop vacuum
  • Mortar mixture
      • Mortar mix
      • Dye or pigment
      • Water
      • 5 gallon bucket or wheelbarrow (depending on how much mortar you’re mixing)
      • Tool for mixing the mortar – paddle mixer, power drill with mixing paddle attachment, shovel, or spade
  • Filling the joints
      • Joint filler tool or tuck pointer trowel
      • Hawk board
      • Mortar pointing gun
  • Matching joint types
      • Jointing tool to match the existing style of joint such as a convex jointer, V-jointer, grapevine jointer, or rake out jointer
  • Clean excess mortar
      • Soft brush
  • Marking lines
      • Straightedge
      • Tuckpointing tool
  • Contrasting fillets
      • Putty in a contrasting color
      • Straightedge
      • Small knife

How to Clean Brick After Tuckpointing

If you do decide to go the DIY route, once the tuckpointing process is complete, it is important to allow the mortar a little time to harden and brush away any excess from the bricks. Use a soft brush and be sure to avoid digging into the newly filled mortar between the bricks. Whether you tackle the project yourself or hire professionals to get the job done, after the mortar has had time to cure completely, it is important to complete regular cleaning and maintenance on your structure in order to prolong the life and beauty of your brick. In order to protect the tuckpointed brick, it is essential to keep it free of anything that can trap moisture in masonry. Because moisture will erode brick and mortar if left unchecked, it is important to regularly check for mold, mildew, and moss and clean the surfaces thoroughly if you find them. Following these steps can ensure that you clean your tuckpointed brick safely and effectively.

Thoroughly spray the area with water: Brick and mortar are both porous materials. If you apply cleaner directly to them, it will immediately be absorbed and can leave you with discolored brick. To prevent the cleaners from soaking in, you must first saturate the brick and mortar with water. This allows the cleaner to sit on top instead of soaking in and do its job of removing dirt.
Use the right cleaning products: Harsh chemicals can be damaging to brick and mortar, so it is imperative to use the right types of cleaning products. Use a mild household cleanser, bleach, masonry cleaner, or even a vinegar, dish soap, and water mixture to clean your brick and mortar. Be sure to read what type of materials a cleaner is meant for to ensure that you don’t destroy your structure.
Avoid vigorous cleaning: Using the right type of cleaning tool is also crucial to not damaging tuckpointing. A soft plastic or nylon bristled brush, or a masonry sponge are all good options for cleaning brick and mortar. A stiff, wire-tipped brush can be too abrasive and destructive to the newly repaired brick.
Pressure washing: Pressure washing can be a good option for newer, stronger brick, but it should not be used on older brick because it could end up causing damage.

If in doubt about how to clean your brick, it may be best to consult with a professional. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to increasing the longevity and stability of your brick structure but cleaning them incorrectly can do more harm than good.

Sealing A Brick House

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If you own a brick house, then you’re well aware of the dangers of moisture damage to brick. If you don’t own a brick house but are thinking about purchasing one, it’s important that you understand this durable material. The biggest enemy to any form of masonry is moisture. Bricks are porous, and as such, they are prone to absorbing water and cracking or crumbling. The same goes for mortar. 

One of the best ways to protect your brick house from moisture damage is by sealing it. Sealing a brick house can help prevent any issues that you may have with water damage for a period of time. Learn all about sealing a brick house here!

Step 1: Inspect the House

If you’re considering sealing your house, you’ll need to inspect it to make sure that sealing it is suitable. Then, you’ll need to prep it for sealing. When inspecting the home, look for the following issues that may be present:

  • Mold or mildew buildup
  • Crumbling or cracking in the bricks or mortar
  • Salt lines from flooding
  • Creeping plants, like ivy
  • Areas with heavy dirt or mineral deposits
  • Old paint

If you notice that your brick and mortar are heavily damaged, either through cracking or crumbling, sealing your house may not be the first thing you should do. The house may need to be tuckpointed, or repaired further. If so, give us a call. If your home seems to be in good condition, then you’ll be ready to prep it.

Step 2: Prep the Brick

Preparing the brick is an important step. As bricks are porous, it can be assumed that they’ll absorb things like moisture and dirt over time. They may also have residual sealant in them if they’ve been sealed before. As such, it’s important to wash them and prepare them for sealing. To wash the brick, follow the steps below:

  1. Remove any dirt, debris, or old paint from the surface gently
  2. Pull back any debris from the bottom layers of brick
  3. Apply a mildew and mold remover using a scrub brush
  4. Power wash the brick from top to bottom, making sure to wash away any dirty water
  5. Allow the brick to dry completely

Once you’ve finished prepping the brick, it’s time to get the workspace ready.

Step 3: Protecting Surfaces and Yourself

Treat your house as if you’re painting it. That means covering things surrounding the house with drop cloths, taping off windows and doors, and wearing eye protection, a mask, and rubber gloves. If you’ve done all that, then you’re ready to seal.

Step 4: Seal the Brick

You can use a pump sprayer or the traditional method of a roller to apply brick sealant. Regardless, make sure that you coat the surfaces evenly, and allow them to dry completely. Temperatures need to be between 40 and 90 degrees fahrenheit for proper application, and the sealer needs to be allowed to dry without weather interference.

Key Takeaways

Sealing brick is a great way to keep your home in great shape for years to come. However, not all homes are ready to be sealed. If the masonry surfaces of your home need repair, be sure to give us a call. We can help you get your brick tuckpointed, and get it in the best shape before being sealed!

Should I Paint My Exposed Brick Walls?

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One of the most timeless looks in any home is an exposed brick wall. It shows the craftsmanship that went into the home, and adds great texture to any room. What’s more is that true exposed brick walls are a conversation starter. Not many people’s homes have legitimate exposed brick in them these days – construction methods have changed, and so have the qualities of brick. As such, an old brick wall in the home looks good.

However, a big trend in interior design as of late is painting these beautiful walls. Sure, there are some benefits to this, but should an exposed brick wall be painted? While it’s entirely up to the owner, of course, there are some things that you should consider before painting your exposed brick. Take a look at what we have to say about it.

The Case for Leaving Exposed Brick Exposed

While painted brick walls are trendy and in style, they aren’t the smartest decision to make when it comes to the well-being of your home, or the brick that’s in it. Here are some great reasons as to why your interior exposed brick should remain unpainted.

Paint is Moist, Moisture Means Damage

While there are paints that are made specifically for painting masonry, most payments don’t take into consideration the issues that brick will have with moisture. When exposed to constant moisture, brick is prone to cracking and crumbling. Paint is, in fact, moist. When you paint a brick wall, you run the risk of causing serious damage to it.

Painted Brick Can’t Be Undone

When you paint a surface, it isn’t always permanent. In most cases, you can remove the paint with some sandpaper and some elbow grease. When you paint brick, you can’t go back. Paint on brick is a permanent solution, as the removal of the paint will damage the brick. If you want to change the look of your painted brick, you’ll have to choose a different paint color, because removing the paint will do irreparable damage to the masonry nine times out of ten.

It’s A Lot of Work

Painting brick in the first place requires a lot of work. Prepping and priming brick for painting takes more effort than pretty much any other surface, and it can’t be rushed. Sealing the brick is the first step in this process, and if overlooked, the brick will suffer. Then, before being able to paint, a specific masonry primer will need to be applied as well. Then, the upkeep with the painted brick will be an effort, as well. It’s entirely likely that even when proper steps are taken, the brick will suffer water damage.

Key Takeaways

Should exposed brick walls be painted? We don’t think so. However, if you’re considering going the route of painting your brick, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll go over the process in detail with you, and we’ll be able to come take a look before you paint. That way you’ll know if your brick is up to it or not.

Tuckpointing: Solid vs. Spot Pointing

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As a homeowner of a brick house or chimney, there may come a time when you will have to either completely re-do your entire house and/or chimney, or there might only be a few areas that need fixing. No matter what your needs are, it is important to know a couple different terms when it comes to tuckpointing: spot and solid tuckpointing. 

Solid Tuckpointing

Solid tuckpointing is also simply known as “tuckpointing”. The process involves maintaining brick and mortar buildings, infrastructures, or outdoor structures for the long run. This includes removing mortar joints throughout an entire wall or area, joint cleaning, and installing new mortar. The process also involves experts discovering mortar that is old and deteriorating, crumbling, damaged, or simply unappealing. Once the old mortar is gone, masonries go in and match the coloring with fresh, new mortar to expand the structural integrity and overall look of the building. Solid tuckpointing helps fight against weathering, aging, and overall damage of a whole wall or large-scale area. 

Spot Pointing

On the other hand, spot pointing, also known as spot tuckpointing, is the same thing as tuckpointing just on a smaller scale. It focuses on fixing major, localized open holes and settling cracks in smaller areas throughout a wall that is overall solid and in good condition. In other words, it is plugging up holes to stave off fast deterioration. The positive side of spot pointing is that if you can take care of it sooner rather than later, you will be able to stay away from costly prices that solid tuckpointing can bring. 

Which One Do You Need?

You might be wondering if you need spot or solid tuckpointing, and if you are, all you need to do is look at your wall or building. If less than 10% of the entire area is damaged, you can get away with doing spot pointing. However, if it is anything larger than that, you will need solid tuckpointing. If you decide you need spot pointing, look at the entire area. If the surrounding brick and/or mortar is almost deteriorated, then it might be more economical to proceed with a larger scale solid tuckpointing. If you do not, then there is a good chance you will incorporate new mortar into near-failing mortar. This would not provide good overall structural support and would lead to solid tuckpointing later anyway. Also, if the surrounding area has gotten to the point where it is visibly aging, spot pointing will only produce more of an eyesore than simply repairing the whole wall or structure. Keep in mind, spot pointing is best completed on a building that has had solid tuckpointing work done within the past 10-15 years. 

Whatever the need is, whether it is spot pointing or solid tuckpointing, it is vital to take care of the issue before it becomes worse. Tuckpointing is a labor-intensive job that involves costs calculate based on how much labor is needed. Therefore, it is recommended that begin with the worst areas and work your way around your home. If the project is on a smaller scale, it is better to fix everything at once. 

Keep in mind that you need to check your structures made of brick on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear or major damage. Localized damage most often occurs after large storms when trees or large objects cause major damage around downspouts that are not working correctly, areas where water collects easily, or simply major household accidents. It is important to remember that even though it may seem localized, you still want to have an expert perform an inspection to make sure there isn’t more damage than what you can see. 

Therefore, it is important to call a professional masonry for an inspection. The professionals at Marlon Tuckpointing are fully trained to notice even the smallest signs of damage. They will work quickly and efficiently to make sure you get a quote and find the right time for you to repair the damage. Our professionals are dedicated to giving you the best service possible and work with respect and professionalism. Don’t hesitate to call us today at (314) 496-9067 to set up a time for us to provide you with a quote!

Maintaining Your Brick After Tuckpointing

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Sure, brick might be the most durable material to use when building structures, especially when it’s old brick. However, even brick doesn’t last forever. Most of the time, a good tuckpointing job can really lengthen the life of any brick structure in your home. However, if you want to maintain that structure, there’s some maintenance that you should do after the tuckpointing has been completed. Check out these maintenance tips that will keep your brick good for years to come!

Keep Your Brick Surfaces Clean and Mold Free

If your brick is on a side of your home that gets little sunlight, or there’s vegetation covering it, it may be more prone to mold. Mold, mildew, and moss are all harmful for masonry, as they’ll harbor moisture. Moisture is the biggest enemy of brick and mortar, as it erodes both materials over time. To help prevent any moldy build up, you can use standard household products!

Spray down your brick surface adequately with water, this will prevent your cleanser from being absorbed. Mix together 1 part bleach to 16 parts water, or roughly a cup of bleach to a gallon of water. Using a soft, plastic bristle brush, gently cleanse your brick with the bleach solution as needed. This will help kill any mold or mildew buildups.

Don’t Clean Too Aggressively

Bricks and mortar are both porous materials. If you use the incorrect method of cleaning, it is very likely that you’ll do more harm than you will good. When you’re cleaning brick, remember to use soft brushes, normally made from plastics. Wire tipped brushes will be far too abrasive for the brick to be used. Additionally, if you plan on using any sort of cleanser, be sure to read about the and the materials they’re intended for, first. The last thing you’d want after having your home tuckpointed is a cleaner to ruin the job that was just done!

Stop Wear and Tear From Water Damage

Water damage in brick comes from one of two things: long-term soaking, and mineral deposits in the water. As such, it is important to prevent these two things as much as possible. If flooding occurs around your home, then trying to mitigate the water is the first step to reducing your brick’s water damage.

The second step occurs after water has been redirected and no longer pools. When brick is exposed to standing water numerous times, salts and minerals begin to accumulate. These can compromise the brick, and need to be removed. Diluted trisodium phosphate and a soft brush can help you remove these salts, and therefore prevent the bricks from degrading at an increased rate.

Key Takeaways

Keeping your brick and mortar clean after tuckpointing is an important step in increasing the life of your masonry surfaces. A little bit of routine maintenance and cleaning can keep your brick in great shape, and prevent an increased breakdown. If your brick is starting to look a little rough, be sure to give us a call at Marlon Tuckpointing! We’d be happy to help you with all your tuckpointing needs.

The Art of Tuckpointing

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Everything has an art to it, and construction and restoration projects are no exception. In this line of work, tuckpointing is not a new art, but it is gaining popularity in the world of construction and restoration for its drastic effect on the aesthetic value of brick surfaces. The first mention of tuckpointing occurred in the late 19th century, and since then it has been used to modernize and stylize brick surfaces across the globe. All the materials necessary for tuckpointing are cheap and readily accessible, so it is not a hard process to start; however, it takes some training to get the colors and joints just right.

Match It Up

After removing the old mortar between bricks on a surface, a tuckpointing technician must create mortar in the same color as the bricks. This is accomplished using dyes and pigments that help create the most realistic look. The technician will spend as much time as they need on creating a mortar color that matches your bricks as closely as possible. This is the most important step in tuckpointing as it creates the base for the crisp lines that will come from applying a contrasting color on top of the matched mortar.

Apply the Contrast

The most common contrasting color to bricks and the first layer of tuckpointing in any color is white or light gray. This is often the color of mortar with no dye, so there is less need for color matching in this step. The crux of this step involves the fact that the lines made of the mortar in a contrasting color must be smooth and clean with little to no irregularity. While the mortar that matches the bricks is used as a base coat, it will hopefully not be noticed by onlookers once everything is dry, but the clean, regular lines should stand out to anyone who is admiring your brick surfaces.

A Masterpiece

Tuckpointing technicians and crews take pride in the crisp lines and accurate matches they create, and your satisfaction is the most important thing while they create their masterpiece. It may seem that there is not much creativity in the field of construction and restoration. However, it is indeed one of the most creative and fulfilling fields because it combines features of artistry with the practicality and resolve of daily use.

Tuckpointing is not something that seems like it would immediately stand out, and perhaps the staple feature of your property is not the brick surfaces that you own, but having these surfaces look crisp can accentuate the beauty of your property in a very minimalistic way. Even if you have aging bricks, tuckpointing can give them a fresh and clean face ready for the 21st century that will last for 15-20 years with little maintenance. 

Final Thoughts

Tuckpointing is an overlooked artform that can be utilized to give properties and brick surfaces a fresh face without breaking the bank or going overboard with complete remodels or replacement of the brick surfaces in your property. Tuckpointing is a great and long-lasting investment in your brick surfaces, and guests, potential buyers, and even your eyes will thank you! If you are interested in learning more about tuckpointing, contact Marlon Tuckpointing today for a quote to get you started on your next project!

A Cleaner Look: The Benefits of Tuckpointing

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Tuckpointing is a unique and artistic facet of the construction world that is sometimes overlooked during construction and restoration projects. Instead of being left on the sidelines like it sometimes is, tuckpointing should be celebrated for the awesome benefits it can have for the brick surfaces in your home and on your property. While it is sometimes a complicated process, the materials are readily accessible, and Marlon Tuckpointing can give you a free quote to get you started as soon as possible on your project.

What is Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing in a nutshell is a way of using mortar in two shades to create very clean looking edges between bricks on a surface. This is accomplished by removing the old mortar and replacing it with a layer of mortar the color of the surface of the bricks. The second layer is what is mostly seen as it is characterized as clean, lightly colored lines that give the bricks a distinguished and modern appearance.

A similar job to tuckpointing is repointing, this only involves replacing the original mortar with new to remove cracks and debris. Repointing is sometimes the only necessary repair especially when aesthetic value is not a huge factor. Tuckpointing is usually the best option for those looking for a durable, effective, and cosmetically more appealing repair.

The Tuckpointing Process

Initially, the old mortar between the bricks is removed to create a space for the new mortar. Next, the mortar for the first layer is color matched to the surface of the bricks on the wall. This mortar is then added in between the bricks. Once this mortar all dries, the job is completed and should last for another 15-20 years with minimal maintenance.

Curb Appeal

Brick walls are attractive to most people. The comfort and familiarity brought by bricks and mortar is something irreplaceable. For this reason and the aesthetic value of the regularity of brick surfaces, they are a popular feature of homes and properties across the nation. Unfortunately, your brick surfaces may be underappreciated right now due to aging mortar or cracking, but tuckpointing can resolve this issue and return your brick surfaces to their former glory.

Tuckpointing keeps the classic look but makes it modern all at the same time by creating crisper lines that really define your bricks and make them look as good as new. Tuckpointing can also help in keeping water from entering the inner parts of the brick surface giving your walls, chimneys, and fireplaces a longer lifespan.

Final Thoughts

Tuckpointing is a wonderful process when completed correctly, and there is an incredible array of applications for this style of replacing mortar. If you feel like your brick surfaces are not living up to their full potential due to old mortar, cracks, or other damage, tuckpointing may be a good option for you to clean up your brick surfaces. If you have any questions about tuckpointing or would like a quote, contact Marlon Tuckpointing today to discuss your options.

5 Reasons Your House May Need Tuckpointing

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Tuckpointing isn’t the most common term when it comes to home repairs or home renovation, but it is important. Tuckpointing is the act of maintaining and possibly restoring mortar joints between bricks using a two-toned mortar technique. It is a project that can lengthen the life of your brick structures and increase the value of your home if kept up with properly!

Here are 5 reasons that you may need to consider having your house tuckpointed.

  1. The Mortar is Failing
    If the mortar on your house is beginning to fail, then you need to have your house tuckpointed, and quickly. Mortar joints between bricks are legitimately what holds them together, and when the mortar begins to crumble and fall from the joints, the structure begins to weaken. Tuckpointing when this begins to happen is crucial, and can save you a lot of time and money down the line if identified early enough!
  2. Your House Hasn’t Been Tuckpointed in a Decade (Or More!)
    Your mortar joints look fine, and your brick is strong, so you know the mortar isn’t failing. Well, even if that’s the case, it’s important that you have your brick walls or structures, like a chimney, checked and tuckpointed. Preventative maintenance in a home is highly important, and it’s recommended that you have the brick in your home tuckpointed every 10 to 15 years.
  3. Bricks Are Beginning to Crack
    There’s a good chance that if you see bricks in your home beginning to crack, or spall, that you’ll need to look into having your home tuckpointed. When the mortar joints between your bricks begin to crack or deteriorate, it may not be entirely noticeable. A dead giveaway is when the bricks begin to crack or flake. Good mortar joints prevent too much moisture from entering a brick wall, while deteriorating joints don’t protect against this, and the resulting moisture entering the brick causes it to crack.
  4. You’ve Found a Puddle in Your Basement
    Let’s talk a little bit more about moisture. Sure, noticing signs of wear and tear from moisture is a little bit easier with the brick outside, or any brick that’s exposed inside on the first floor. That’s not the only sign of moisture damage in your joints or bricks. Hidden deterioration may be happening, and water may be seeping in from the outside and dribbling into your basement. If you see this, you may need to get your brick tuckpointed.
  5. Increasing the Value of Your Home
    Last but not least, tuckpointing is a good way to increase the value of your home if you’re looking to sell! It’s regular maintenance that needs to be done, and if done recently, can help increase the appraisal you receive when looking to put your house on the market.

Tuckpointing is an important part of home maintenance and restoration for any property that has brick walls or structure. Consider giving your home a look through and getting it tuckpointed today!

When’s the Best Time to Get Your House Tuckpointed?

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So you’ve started to notice some wear and tear on the mortar joints between your bricks. In some places it’s cracking, while in others it’s beginning to crumble. When you think about it, you can’t remember the last time you’ve had any sort of work done to them. So what’s the best time to get work done? Check out our helpful guide on the best time to have your house tuckpointed.

How Long Can I Go Without Tuckpointing?

Generally, when it comes to bricks and masonry, tuckpointing should be done every 10 to 15 years. While bricks can last one hundred years, easily, the mortar between them is a lot more susceptible to damage. Staying on top of the health of your mortar will also help to lengthen the life of the brick, as it prevents moisture buildup in the brick itself.

What Time of the Year is Best for Tuckpointing?

Generally, the best time of the year for tuckpointing is going to be when temperatures are between 40 and 90 degrees. Ideally, these temperatures will last for the entire length of the job being done, normally about 24 hours before the job begins and the 72 hours following completion of the tuckpointing. This is due to the nature of mortar, and the optimal conditions it needs to cure. Most often, autumn fits the bill the best.

That being said, it can be done in cooler temperatures if you’ve noticed that it needs to be done right away, as long as the mortar is treated properly in terms of temperature, and that it gets the proper protection while curing. It’s not generally recommended to have tuckpointing done during the summer due to the humid nature of the time of the year, and with spring comes rain.

Additionally, if you’re considering having your chimney tuckpointed, the best time of year is when the chimney is not in use. This would be either just before winter starts, or after winter has ended.

What About the Weather?

We’re glad you asked. While the optimal temperatures occur in spring, just like they do autumn, the main difference is the predictability of the weather. When tuckpointing, precipitation and moisture are the biggest detriments to the process. While curing, mortar needs to be kept dry, as well as at the right temperature. Because spring and summer are typically rainy, and winter brings snow, autumn really is the best time of the year to have masonry work done.

The Takeaway

Tuckpointing is an important part of the upkeep of masonry buildings. The most important things to take away from what you’ve learned here are as follows:

  • Maintain your masonry structures every 10 to 15 years, or more often if needed.
  • Try to have tuckpointing done over a period of time where the temperature is between 40 and 90 degrees.
  • Avoid rain and snow, as this will prevent the mortar from curing correctly.

Keeping these things in mind, you’re ready to schedule an appointment to have your brick attended to, and kept looking sharp, with tuckpointing!

Fireplace Restoration

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Everybody loves a warm, crackling fire in an old fireplace on a cold night.  But an aging and worn-out fireplace is not only an eyesore, but it can also be a dangerous fire hazard and potentially deadly.  

Common Problems

Cracked Chimney Liner―Today’s chimneys usually have liners made of steel but older ones can have clay or ceramic chimney liners that can become cracked and damaged over time.

Creosote Build-up―Creosote is the nasty residue that’s left behind in your flue when you burn fossil fuels.  When it builds up, it is extremely dangerous because it can ignite from the heat and cause a chimney fire.  Over time, the build-up causes your flue to essentially be smaller and smaller until airflow because compromised and restricted.  This means that while some air goes up through your chimney, what can’t flow easily up and out will come back down into your home and bring with it deadly carbon monoxide.  

Damaged Brickwork―Bricks are extremely durable and may last hundreds of years but mortar does not.  Crumbling mortar can be repaired without removing the entire fireplace or chimney but if it is left unnoticed and in disrepair, it could potentially lead to a collapse.  

Obstruction―If you’re experiencing smoke backing up into your home, it could be because of something as simple as a bird’s nest or something else that made its way into your chimney, but this simple problem could be deadly because it could cause carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.  

Damper Stuck Closed―Sometimes people may not realize that the damper has been closed and is causing smoke to come in but dampers can also get stuck in the closed position due to rust or damage which means smoke won’t go up and out the chimney.

Fireplace Restoration

In most cases, fireplaces can be restored without having to do a complete and expensive tear-down and replacement of the fireplace and chimney.  

A cracked flue can usually be fixed easily by inserting a steel chimney liner in the old flue.  If the restoration includes brickwork, your fireplace or chimney may be restored with a process called tuckpointing.  

Tuckpointing is a process that involves removing the old, deteriorating mortar and replacing it with a mortar that is similar in color to the brick.  Then mortar that is closer in color to the existing mortar is applied, giving the brickwork a straight, even line.  Tuckpointing is strong, water-resistant, and can extend the life of the fireplace or chimney.  It is a corrective and preventative procedure that can save a lot of money over replacement and have you enjoying a cozy fire again in no time. 

Marlon Tuckpointing provides tuckpointing and masonry services to the St. Louis area including complete and spot tuckpointing services as well as chimney repairs, caulking, waterproofing, brickwork, and repairs to chimney caps and flashing. We pride ourselves on the high quality of our work and the satisfaction of all our clients.  For questions or a free estimate call Marlon Tuckpointing LLC at (314) 496-9067 or visit our website and see some of the beautiful restorations we’ve done using tuckpointing.