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!