Tuckpointing: What It Is, Benefits, and Costs
Brick buildings are charming and timeless, but old, gray mortar that builds up between brick structures can become unsightly. Tuckpointing can help homeowners address this issue. The process involves removing damaged mortar in joints between bricks and stone siding to give your property a fresh look. Tuckpointing can also repair and reinforce the strength of your structure. Read our guide to learn more about the process of tuckpointing, the cost of tuckpointing, and when to call in a professional tuckpointing expert.
Purpose and Benefits of Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing has several benefits, including:
- Enhances your home’s structural stability and protects against water damage and leaks. The fresh mortar added during the tuckpointing process also helps support the weight of bricks and creates a moisture barrier that prevents damage from the thaw-and-freeze cycle.
- Aesthetically appealing
- Increases property value and curb appeal. You can choose a replacement mortar that perfectly matches your brickwork or stonework or a bolder, contrasting color.
Ultimately, tuckpointing is a do-it-yourself (DIY) project that can offer short-term and long-term benefits.
Signs Your Home Needs Tuckpointing
Mortar in your home can break down over time, whether you live in a historic home or modern property. This mortar deterioration can lead to problems with structures’ structural integrity, such as brick chimneys, which can start to crack or protrude.
If you notice crumbling or missing mortar in your brickwork, any cracks in the mortar joints of your brick wall, damp or discolored interior walls, or a white, powdery substance on the bricks, your home probably needs tuckpointing. If you notice any loose or falling bricks, schedule an appointment with a masonry contractor immediately to avoid any long-term damage.
Tuckpointing Tools and Materials
Whether you perform tuckpointing yourself as a do-it-yourself project or hire a professional contractor, you must have the right tools handy. Below are a few of the tools and materials you’ll need for tuckpointing:
Use a joint raker to scrape old mortar between bricks or stones.
A masonry brush is a specialized tool with stiff bristles. It’s used to apply sealants, paint, or stains to brick or stone surfaces.
Use a hawk to hold and catch excess mortar as you work.
Use a hawk to hold and catch excess mortar as you work.
Always have the right gear when embarking on any home improvement or DIY project. You’ll need eye protection, such as goggles, safety gloves, and a dust mask to protect your skin from dust and mortar.
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.
How To Tuckpoint: Step-by-Step
Tuckpointing requires a lot of time and hard work. From preparation to mixing and applying the mortar, it’s a project that can benefit from the work of an experienced DIYer or homeowner who knows how to handle mixed materials. Below are the basic steps for any tuckpointing project:
Preparation
You’ll need to prepare the area for tuckpointing before doing anything else. This includes cleaning all the bricks and existing mortar, removing loose bits, and thoroughly wetting the joints. Put down some sheets to protect the surrounding area and prevent mortar from getting on landscaping or plants.
Mixing the Mortar
Mix the mortar to the right consistently and color. You’ll need to blend mortar pigment for a while and may have to try a series of combinations until you land on the right one. Once you settle on the right color, note the exact ratio of pigment to mortar so that you can refer to it for future batches of mortar.
Applying the Mortar
Once you’ve mixed your new mortar, apply it to the joints using your tuckpointing trowel and pointing hawk. Work with the horizontal joints first, and apply mortar in smooth, straight lines. The finished mortar should have a flat surface or a slightly indented curve, depending on your preferred look.
Finishing and Cleanup
After you’ve finished applying the mortar and smoothing it to your satisfaction, use a stiff-bristled brush or other special tuckpointing tool to clean the excess mortar from the bricks.
If you notice patchy areas or spots that still need to be filled, wait 30 minutes, then add more mortar. Mortar needs to cure for roughly 36–48 hours. If you’re expecting very cold temperatures, hold off on the project, as a freeze can damage the integrity of the new mortar.
Tuckpointing Costs
Many factors can influence the cost of your tuckpointing project, such as the cost of the bricks, the extent of the damaged mortar, and the size of the area you want to tuckpoint. You must also consider labor costs, which could be substantial depending on the experience and qualifications of the contractor you hire.
DIY tuckpointing can save you some money upfront on labor costs, but it’s a job that requires lots of time and skill. Hiring a masonry contractor might not ultimately be any more expensive than buying tools, learning how to tuckpoint, and performing the job yourself. Additionally, hiring a professional typically ensures you receive a warranty when the job is done, providing more security in your investment.
When To Hire a Professional
If your tuckpointing job is a very large or complex project, or if the tuckpointing requires you to reach high areas, such as high walls or chimneys, it’s safest to bring in the services of a contractor. You should also hire a professional if you have a historic or especially valuable property or don’t have the time or necessary skill level to learn tuckpointing.
Finding the right contractor can take some time. Read online reviews and consider other homeowners’ experiences with different contractors. You can also ask friends and relatives if they have contractor recommendations.
Our Conclusion
Tuckpointing is an excellent way to restore your home’s curb appeal, enhance its structural integrity, and safeguard against concerns such as water damage. Regular tuckpointing can keep your brick home looking incredible, whether you complete the job as a DIY project or hire a professional.
Check regularly for signs of mortar damage, and take quick action if you notice anything amiss, such as loose bricks or crumbling mortar. If you plan to hire a contractor to complete the job, read through online reviews and ask family and friends if they have any recommendations.
FAQ About Tuckpointing
How often should tuckpointing be done?
Tuckpointing should be done 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. However, if you do not remove the deteriorated mortar, the new mortar you place may not properly bond.
What is the difference between tuckpointing and repointing?
Tuckpointing is the process of replacing and refinishing damaged or deteriorated mortar and 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 is.
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