The Importance of Tuckpointing on Brick Mortar Joints

Stemming from a masonry technique that started back in the 1800s, tuckpointing was created to make cheaper, uneven bricks appear as if they were the coveted high-quality rubbed bricks from that time period. The goal was to have the bricks appear perfectly aligned. Early tuckpointers were able to use a less expensive brick in combination with a matched red mortar to generate the appearance of perfectly aligned rubbed bricks without the high price tag. Today, the terms "Point", "Repoint", and "Tuckpoint" are often used to describe similar processes, all with varying styles and materials.

The average lifespan of mortar is generally around 25 years, or a quarter century. Since bricks are capable of lasting well over 100 years, it goes without saying that the mortar will need to be replaces a few times during the life of the chimney. The key to extending the useful life of your chimney is to ensure that mortar joints are repointing at first sign of degradation. By preventing water from entering the masonry material, your chimney will have a long, healthy life.

Poorly-completed tuckpointing jobs can devalue your home and even lead to future problems, so the best bet is to hire a professional.

Contact us today if you have a concern about the condition of your chimney's masonry or mortar joints. We will gladly visit your home and make the necessary recommendations to keep your chimney in tip-top shape.