Bricks are still one of the prevalent materials used in both interior and exterior walls, usually seen on chimneys, fireplaces, and entire houses and establishments. They’re a bunch of sturdies and visually pleasing ones as well, so it’s not a wonder how property owners keep it well-maintained to increase its value and appeal in the long run. Besides, even bricks and mortar need repair and renovation once in a while – and this is where the magic of tuckpointing comes in. So read on if you want to learn everything that you need to know about tuckpointing, and how it’s beneficial for different brick structures.
What is Tuckpointing?
Masonry structures can slowly deteriorate and become damaged in time (whether you like it or not). Mortar joints along the bricks can weaken and turn unpleasant due to harsh weather, a severe accumulation of water and moisture, and maybe through force. Although you can do a complete rebuild of your brick structure to start anew, tuckpointing is a nifty repair process that saves both time and costs for the average joe.
In simple terms, tuckpointing removes old mortar from the bricks and replaces it with something as good as new. Not to mistake it for “repointing” though, as instead of simply replacing the mortar, tuckpointing also has an added step of embedding it with contrasting lines in the middle to form grooves. This gives the brick surface a crisper illusion of straight lines just like brand new masonry. Neat right?
How does it work?
Property owners who have the experience can definitely try it out as a DIY project, though the tuckpoint process is still labor-intensive, requires time and materials, and the precision to draw on and level mortar along the joints so it wouldn’t look like a clumsy job done. The general procedure looks like this:
- Grounding and removing the old mortar to at least an inch, manually or with a grinder.
- Mixing the new mortar to match the color, before filling it within the grooves.
- Flattening the wet mortar according to your desired look.
- Using a straightedge or tuck pointer tool to form the straight lines in the center.
There is, of course, the option of hiring a professional tuck pointer instead of dealing with the complicated process. After all, it’s more advisable to leave it to the experts when dealing with larger spaces and keeping your peace of mind at bay.
Why Do I Need Tuckpointing?
Aside from giving your masonry a needed restoration, tuckpointing can offer a lot of benefits and is definitely an investment worth saving for. For one, you’ll save your brick and mortar from completely collapsing due to corrosion and deterioration. Trust us, a weak structure is the last thing you want to stick with. Another advantage of tuckpointing is it safeguards your masonry joints from the horrors of stormy weathers: water, moisture, mildew, mold, and other destructive elements.
Lastly who wouldn’t jump at the chance to not only save time and prevent a complete reconstruction but also make sure that your masonry is always in great and quality condition? With a few tuckpoints here and there, you can find yourself with a brand-new looking chimney, or a fireplace, or your entire brick house, as soon as possible. And you should seriously consider calling on a tuckpointing company like us for a reliable assessment and the best results.
