Fireplaces and chimneys give a home warmth in both the physical sense as well as in ambiance.  Everyone loves the feel of a cozy warm fireplace on cold winter’s night but if yours is old and falling apart and you worry about the high cost of replacing it so you don’t use it anymore, you’re missing out for nothing.  It’s more than likely that tuckpointing can help and for a lot less than replacement.

What Is Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing is a process for repairing deteriorating mortar by removing the old, damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh, new mortar.  The mortar is removed using a grinder and replaced with mortar that is the color of the brick and grooves are cut into the new mortar and they are filled with matching mortar.  Tuckpointing can be done in a small area or a complete fireplace or chimney.  It not only gets rid of the deteriorating mortar before it affects the integrity of the chimney, but it also makes it look refreshed and renewed.  

How Tuckpointing Can Save Your Chimney

While bricks can last a hundred years or more, mortar does not.  Over time, it deteriorates from wind, rain, and sun and when the mortar starts to crumble, your chimney may begin to lean and may even collapse.  Or it could cause cracks where water can leak in and damage your home’s interior and lead to mold or wood rot.  However, as long as your chimney isn’t too far gone, tuckpointing can be used to replace the mortar, stopping the corrosion, and restore the integrity of the structure.  After tuckpointing has been performed on your chimney or fireplace, you’ll not only be able to enjoy its warmth again, but it’ll also increase the value of your home.

Tuckpointing is much less expensive than an entire chimney rebuild, and with your chimney restored, there will be less heat loss, saving you money in heating costs too.  

What To Look For

You may not realize that your chimney is in need of repair because so much of it is unseen and most of what you can see is high on your roof.  What you can see may still look good.  If you see stain on the paint or wallpaper around the chimney, there’s a good chance your chimney is leaking and moisture is getting in through damaged areas.  If you see areas where the mortar is crumbling, cracked bricks, musty odors after it rains, or discoloration of bricks, you’re probably experiencing some kind of leak inside the chimney.  If a leak in your chimney is ignored, you could face repair costs that go beyond a chimney. 

We Can Help  

Marlon Tuckpointing does chimney repair and can find and fix your leak, quickly and efficiently.  We provide 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.  For questions or a free estimate call Marlon Tuckpointing LLC at (314) 496-9067.