Tuckpointing involves repairing and refreshing the mortar joints between bricks or stones, which improves the appearance and structural integrity of a building. Learning how to correctly tuckpoint can help homeowners who want to update their properties and masonry enthusiasts, alike. Read our guide below to learn more about tuckpointing, the tools and materials you’ll need to successfully complete the project, and when you should consider hiring a professional to complete the this type of renovation, instead.

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What Is Tuckpointing?

Mortar can crack, crumble, or erode over time, which leads to potential water damage and the weakening of a structure. Tuckpointing is the process of removing damaged or deteriorating mortar from brick or stone joints and replacing it with fresh mortar. This improves the visual appeal of a structure and helps maintain its structural stability.

Regular tuckpointing can prevent more extensive and costly repairs down the line. It improves the aesthetics of any household and helps to support the weight of bricks or stones.

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Signs Your Home Needs Tuckpointing

The signs below may indicate that your home needs tuckpointing:

Crumbling Mortar

The visible deterioration of the mortar between bricks or stones may indicate you need tuckpointing. Mortar that crumbles, falls out, or appears powdery points to deterioration.

Visible Cracks in Joints

Small cracks in mortar allow water to penetrate the structure,‌ which can cause more extensive damage. If you spot cracks that are wider than a hairline, you need to tuckpoint.

Water Damage on Interior Walls

The signs of mortar deterioration aren’t visible from the outside. Check your interior walls for signs of water damage, such as damp spots, discoloration, or a white, powdery substance known as efflorescence. These symptoms often indicate that water is seeping through compromised mortar joints on the exterior.

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Tuckpointing Tools and Materials

You must have the right tools for a tuckpointing project handy, whether you perform it as a do-it-yourself project or hire a professional contractor. Below the items you’ll need for the restoration:

• Joint raker or grinder: Use a joint raker to scrape old mortar between bricks or stones.
• Masonry brush: A masonry brush is a specialized tool with stiff bristles. Use it to apply sealants, paint, or stains to brick or stone surfaces.
• Mortar Mix: Use a hawk to hold and catch excess mortar as you work.
• Pointing hawk: Use a hawk to hold and catch excess mortar as you work.
• Safety gear: You’ll need eye protection, such as goggles, safety gloves, and a dust mask to protect your skin from dust and mortar.
• Tuckpointing trowel: Use a specialized trowel to smooth mortar in tight spaces.

Most hardware or home goods stores should have everything you need. If you need help finding anything, ask an associate.

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The Tuckpointing Process: Step-by-Step

Tuckpointing requires a lot of time and hard work, and you should only proceed with the project if you’re an experienced DIYer who knows how to handle mixed materials. Follow the steps below to complete your tuckpointing project:

1. Preparation and Cleaning

You must prepare your workspace before beginning your tuckpointing project. This involves cleaning the bricks and existing mortar, removing any loose debris, and protecting the surrounding area. Lay down sheets to safeguard landscaping and plants from mortar drips.

2. Removing Old Mortar

Use a joint raker or grinder to carefully remove old, damaged mortar from the joints. You need to remove enough of the old mortar to allow the new material to bond. This typically amounts to a depth of about 3/4 inch.

3. Mixing New Mortar

Prepare the new mortar mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The color and consistency of the mortar are important factors to consider. You may need to experiment with different pigment ratios to match the existing mortar color closely.

4. Applying Fresh Mortar

Use a pointing hawk and tuckpointing trowel to carefully apply the new mortar to the joints you’ve cleaned out. Start with the horizontal joints, then move on to vertical joints. The goal is to achieve smooth, straight lines that match the existing mortar pattern.

5. Finishing and Curing

Allow the mortar to set slightly, then use a jointing tool to create the finish you want. Clean any excess mortar from the brick faces with a stiff-bristled brush. The new mortar will need between 36 and 48 hours to cure completely, depending on weather conditions.

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DIY Tuckpointing vs. Hiring a Professional

The cost of the tuckpointing project, the degree of your DIY skill, and the materials required to complete the renovation will determine whether you should tackle tuckpointing as a DIY project or hire a professional contractor. 

Some drawbacks of tuckpointing yourself are that it can be time-consuming and unsafe for inexperienced DIYers, especially when you’re working at heights. You can also cause additional damage by completing the project incorrectly.

When To Call in the Experts

Consider hiring a professional tuckpointing contractor if any of the variables below apply.

• The project is large-scale or complex.
• The work involves hard-to-reach areas such as chimneys or high walls.
• You lack the time or necessary skills to complete the job properly.
• You’re dealing with a historic or high-value property.

Professional masons have the expertise necessary to complete the job well, and usually offer warranties on their work, which affords homeowners peace of mind.

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Tuckpointing Costs and Factors

The cost of tuckpointing can vary widely based on the factors below.

Material Costs

The price of mortar, pigments, and any necessary tools can add up. High-quality materials may cost more upfront but can lead to better, longer-lasting results.

Labor Costs

Hiring professionals is a significant expense. Rates can vary based on a contractor’s experience and your location.

Regional Price Variations

Tuckpointing costs can differ significantly depending on where you live. Tuckpointing is usually more expensive in urban areas or regions in which it is expensive to live.

Homeowners should budget between $10 and $45 per square foot for professional tuckpointing services.

*Cost data in this article sourced from Angi.

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Common Tuckpointing Mistakes To Avoid

Be aware of the common mistakes below as your proceed with your tuckpointing project:

Incorrect Mortar Mix

Using the wrong type of mortar or incorrect mix ratios can lead to poor adhesion and premature failure. Always match the new mortar to the existing mortar.

Poor Joint Preparation

If you don’t clean out the old mortar thoroughly, or don’t wet the joints before you apply new mortar, you can wind up with weak bonds that eventually fail.

Improper Application Techniques

Applying mortar too thickly or thinly, or failing to properly tool the joints, can make the tuckpointing look worse and allow water to infiltrate.

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Maintenance Tips To Extend the Life of Your Tuckpointing

Regularly inspect your brickwork for signs of wear or damage to maximize the lifespan of your tuckpointing work. Keep your bricks clean using gentle cleaning methods. This will help you to prevent damage.

Consider applying a breathable sealant to protect against moisture infiltration. You can also schedule professional inspections every few years to catch potential issues early.

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FAQ About Tuckpointing

How often should tuckpointing be done?

You should tuckpoint every 25 or 30 years, or sooner if you notice signs of damage, such as crumbling mortar or loose bricks. 

Can I tuckpoint over old mortar?

You can tuckpoint over old mortar if it hasn’t deteriorated. If you do not remove the deteriorated mortar, the new mortar you place may not properly bond, though.

What is the difference between tuckpointing and repointing?

Tuckpointing is the process of replacing and refinishing damaged or deteriorated mortar. It enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home. Repointing your home is the process of sealing mortar joints that are exposed to the elements.

How long does tuckpointing last?

Tuckpointing lasts up to 30 years, but very humid areas can shorten this lifespan. 

Is tuckpointing a DIY job?

Tuckpointing can be done as a DIY job if you have the necessary skills and time. Most homeowners hire masonry contractors to complete tuckpointing on their homes because of how labor-intensive the task can be. 

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