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

1. 1. • 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

1. 1. • Masonry brush
      • Wire brush with metal scraper
      • High pressure air nozzle
      • Leaf blower
      • Shop vacuum

• Mortar mixture

1. 1. • 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

1. 1. • Joint filler tool or tuck pointer trowel
      • Hawk board
      • Mortar pointing gun

• Matching joint types

1. 1. • 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

1. 1. • Soft brush

• Marking lines

1. 1. • 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.