Tuckpointing
What Is Tuckpointing?
At its most basic level, tuckpointing is the process of strengthening the mortar joints of a chimney. Developed in England in the late 1800s, tuckpointing is a way of using contrasting colors of mortar in the joints of brick to make It appear as though the gaps between bricks are smaller. This term is used interchangeably with “pointing”, but both have the same process. Tuckpointing helps protect your chimney from moisture erosion, which can potentially lead to a chimney collapsing if not caught early. As moisture gets into the joints between bricks, the mortar deteriorates much quicker than normal and leaves you with hefty rebuilding bills if it progresses too far, or can cause major damage in your home. Old and corroded mortar can lead to water seeping into your walls and fireplace, which then causes damage to wallpaper and paint, stains your walls permanently, and allows mold and mildew to build up in your walls and chimney. Rather than rebuilding your chimney, tuckpointing allows you to preserve the original materials used on your home and erase the potential for other damages. In addition to saving you money on chimney repairs, tuckpointing will also add value to your home because the masonry work will be in top condition.
Tuckpointing Process
The tuckpointing process is fairly straightforward. The damaged mortar that already resides between your bricks is removed and replaced with new, undamaged mortar. To remove the mortar between the bricks, professionals use grinders and routers. After the mortar has all been removed to a uniform depth, the gaps between the stonework are first filled with fresh mortar that matches or closely resembles the color of the surrounding stones. Before this mortar dries a thinner line or groove is removed from the very middle of the new mortar. After the first color of mortar is dry, a secondary contrasting color of mortar is placed in the thin line that was left open. This technique makes the joints of your brickwork appear thinner and much more intricate.
Authentic Stone Creations​
If you believe your mortar is damaged, or if it has not been repaired for a significant period of time, it’s time to call Authentic Stone Creations. Located in Lexington, Kentucky and providing service to all the surrounding areas, Authentic Stone Creations is your best choice for all your stonemasonry needs. With an A+ rating from the BBB and over 2 decades of experience, our team of masonry experts can help with any problems you might have. Contact our team of experts today to discuss your tuckpointing options.