If you have exterior brick, or even interior brick, that has aging mortar, and someone has recommended tuckpointing to you, then understanding that process will help you determine if it is right for your situation. Tuckpointing is the process of removing and replacing aging mortar with fresh mortar that is decorated with mortar of contrasting colors to give a specific appearance to the new joint.

Tuckpointing is easier to understand when you understand the terminology that professionals use when they talk about this subject with you.

·         Pointing

This is the term used to say that mortar joints were filled with mortar. Pointing also refers to filling the spaces between bricks with mortar when you are building a wall or a chimney.

·         Repointing

This means that the old mortar, that is probably deteriorating, is being removed and replaced with fresh mortar.

·         Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing replaces old mortar like repointing does, but with a little something extra. When tuckpointing the professional will use mortar that is very close to the color of the bricks you have in place. In the center of the mortar joint they will use a contrasting color of putty to create unique “fillets” that run the length of the mortar joint.

When tuckpointing you have to carefully remove all of the aging mortar. You will work in sections that are about 3’ x 5’. You can use a cold chisel to help you remove the aging mortar. You need to work the mortar out leaving about ½” of space. A whisk broom can be used to brush the accumulated dust out of the crevice you are creating.

Once the mortar has been chiseled away the bricks need to be thoroughly wet using a water hose. By wetting the bricks you allow them to re-moisturize so they will not funnel the moisture out of the new mortar when you install it. You need to give the wet bricks about 24 hours to rest and absorb the water before you move on to the next step.

You will mix small batches of the new mortar and place it into the crevices you created. The mortar should be as close to the color of the bricks as possible. Your goal is to create mortar joints that are so close to the brick color that they have to be studied to see where brick stops and mortar begins. You can use common Portland cement mortar to make the new mortar for your masonry work. If the bricks you are tuckpointing are older than fifty years then you need to use a lime and sand mortar combination. Old bricks can actually be damaged by the Portland mortar as it dries.

You just use a large trowel to work the mortar into the crevices. You must use the flat section of the trowel and keep excess mortar from building outside of the crevice. You need joints that are smooth and level vertically and horizontally.

You are now ready to take the contrasting putty and create the intricate fillets through the centermost part of the mortar crevice. You need a very steady hand, and the ability to determine if your line is perfectly straight.

Tuckpointing can be done by do-it-yourself homeowners if you are really sure of your abilities. Tuckpointing effects can be ruined if the fillet line is crooked, too wide, not uniform or the wrong color. This process is also ineffective if the mortar is not a perfect match to the brick, and if the mortar is not flush inside the crevice.

If you want more details about this, or you want to talk to a professional in the St. Louis area about this mortar process, contact the professionals at Marlon Tuckpointing LLC. They can be reached at 314-496-9067 or visit their website at ,https://marlontuckpointing.com/blog.