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Cracked Mortar: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

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Bricks can last hundreds of years.  The mortar between them? Not so much.  In fact, mortar generally has a life of around 30 years.  Over time, the harsh weather and elements take their toll on mortar, leaving it cracked and deteriorating.  They’re unsightly for sure, but cracks in your mortar can result in more than just lowered curb appeal. Cracks in mortar can let water get in.  If water gets through the cracks, mortar will deteriorate more quickly, water will get into your walls and you could find yourself dealing with an expensive mold removal bill.  When the water freezes during the colder months, it expands causing further damage to the chimney or brick walls. Heat can also escape through these cracks affecting the efficiency of your heating.    

Mortar contributes to the stability of your chimney and walls.  If the deterioration is ignored, it can lead to an all-out collapse.

If you’ve got a newer house and you think you don’t have to worry about your mortar cracking for years to come, think again.  Sometimes cracking happens in mortar in newer homes when cheaper materials were used in their construction especially prefabricated homes.

Time for Tuckpointing

Obviously, dismantling the chimney or wall for a complete rebuild would be extremely expensive.  That’s why most people opt for tuckpointing instead. Tuckpointing involves 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. Grooves are cut into the new mortar and they are filled with mortar that matches the original mortar color.  Tuckpointing can be done in a small area or a complete wall or entire chimney.  

Tuckpointing keeps the water out and prevents further corrosion to the existing mortar.  It also restores the structural integrity of the chimney itself so you don’t have to worry about a collapse later on down the line.

Some people use tuckpointing as a way to renew their chimney and brickwork.  It can be used for cosmetic purposes to make the chimney or siding look refreshed and new and increase curb appeal and the value of the home.  Doing a complete tuckpointing of an exterior wall can make it look completely restored and refreshed.

Tuckpointing is a cost-effective way to repair ugly damage to brickwork but it can’t be done at any time.  If not caught in time, the damage to the structural integrity of the walls or chimney will be too great to be repaired in this way safely.

If your brickwork has seen better days, call Marlon Tuckpointing.  Whether you have an old chimney that needs to be repaired or your brick-sided home is showing signs of mortar deterioration, Marlon Tuckpointing is ready to help.   We provide 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.  

How to maintain a chimney? –Tuckpointing is the key

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Without being an expert, there are some visible signs that can tell you if your chimney needs maintenance. Some of these indicators are:

  • The fireplace is foul-smelling. This shows you the chimney liners are not working; they are a fundamental part of your chimney as they pull the fumes out of your house. It can be unpleasant –not to mention extremely dangerous. 
  • Cracks on the crown or bricks falling off the chimney. While damage to the crown is harder to notice –most homeowners rarely get on top of their fireplaces, pieces of blocks dotting the ground are also a symptom of your chimney requiring fixing. Fresh mortar and bricks need to replace damaged ones.   
  • There is mortar damage between the bricks. No doubt, the number one sign. Cracks or holes are a clear indicator that the mortar needs repair. Not attending this can cause many problems, such as water getting inside and permanently damaging it. To avoid this, tuckpointing is the best technique to address chimney issues. It can make your chimney look as good as new, and better yet, prevents further problems. 

The most basic steps to maintain your chimney include: remove ashes, remove fire stains, and clean the surface to the top. Nonetheless, chimney maintenance is a job for professionals; it gets much better results, and it is hassle-free. 

Chimney Tuckpointing

As we mentioned above, mortar damage is the most common reason why you need to call a professional company. Snow, ice, or water can infiltrate through the cracks and deteriorate the nearby areas. The process of tuckpointing involves restoration to the masonry mortar joints between the bricks. All blocks, stones, and bricks defaced are taken off and replaced by new ones. The failing mortar also gets replaced. When the technique is applied correctly, the result is a durable, water-resistant joint that prevents future chimney repairs and extends the life of the masonry. Tuckpointing is both a corrective and a preventive procedure. 

When maintaining a chimney, often, other processes come to mind, such as stain removal or sweeping. But, tuckpointing should be on the mind of every chimney-owner, as crumbling, failing mortar it is an evident sign that the weather has taken a toll in the structure and surface. Besides, failing to tuckpoint your joints will result in a much more expensive repair procedure. 

Aside from taking care of your joints, make sure to comply with the following for a durable, beautiful chimney:

  • Sweep it regularly –professionally. 
  • Inspect it often, both in the inside and outside. Look for cracked mortar and joints.
  • Clear ash and debris.
  • Remove stains.
  • Clean and polish all decorative items.

For everything involving chimney maintenance: cleaning, inspection (look out for foul smell or cracked surfaces), and tuckpointing, the best is to call a professional company. 

A fireplace is a lovely addition to a house. It serves beautifully as a decorative item and brings warmth to the home. For effective usage, be sure to maintain your chimney adequately and check it often.

To get a free estimate, or a consultation with the best in the St. Louis area, call Marlon Tuckpointing LLC at (314) 496 9067. For more info on their services, testimonies and photographs of their work quality, be sure to check their website. Just click here: https://marlontuckpointing.com/

Tuckpointing 101: 5 essential things you need to know

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Masonry items, such as block, stone, or brick, can last up to 100 years with virtually no maintenance. However, the mortar joints can present damage if these are exposed to harsh weather conditions –even if the bricks are in excellent shape. If the mortar shows cracks or detriment due to water exposure, it needs to be repaired. The most common and efficient way to do it is by Tuckpointing. If you’re not familiar with the term, don’t worry. Here’s a crash course:

1.      What is Tuckpointing?

It is a technique used to repair mortar joints in stone or bricks and to enhance the appearance of masonry. The process consists of grinding the deteriorated mortar and filling in with new material. The new mortar must match the color of the bricks; then, a thin line of putty is applied in the center of the joint. This layer has a contrasting color against the bricks. The technique gives the impression of well-maintained, delicate, and narrow joints made. 

2.      When should you Tuckpoint?

Here’s a simple test you can do. Take a regular key and stroke the mortar joint. If the masonry is in good shape, the rubbing will not scratch it at all. But, if the scratching releases powdered material, then you need to repair it. You can either perform this basic test or call an expert for a more professional evaluation. Remember, tuckpointing is also used for cosmetic purposes. It is used widely on historic brick homes; the technique helps recapture the home’s original appearance. 

3.      What happens if I don’t Tuckpoint?

When the technique is appropriately applied, the mortar joints become relatively waterproof. It increases the life of your walls. On the contrary, weakened or deteriorated mortar allows moisture and humidity to infiltrate the brick or stone masonry. If the moisture gets behind the wall, the problem will be much severe. In the worst cases, the only fix will be to tear the wall down. By not tuckpointing on time, you will lose time and money. 

4.      Is there a point where it is too late to Tuckpoint?

Unfortunately, yes. Loose masonry units –stone or bricks –mean bad news. If your situation gets to this point, the only way to fix it is to pull down the masonry wall and build it again. In terms of money, there is no comparison between doing this final solution and Tuckpointing on time. 

5.      Can I prevent mortar deterioration?

The lifespan of mortar joints is around 30 years. The wear and tear obey to different causes. We mentioned moisture but also erosion from exposure to extreme temperatures, low-quality craft, or even pressure from the weight of the masonry. Mortar joints are the weakest part of a wall; inevitably, you will eventually have to maintain and repair. 

Although labor-extensive, Tuckpointing is an efficient, effective, cost-worthy technique to keep your masonry walls and chimneys in optimal condition.