In a nutshell, tuckpointing involves the repair of mortar joints, with the purpose of restoring your house’s natural beauty while at the same time protecting it from further damage.
To elaborate a bit more, it involves the removal and repair of deteriorated mortar joints between your home’s bricks. That deterioration happens over time and is usually caused by structural stress along with constant exposure to the elements. Tuckpointing is essential in enhancing the appearance of any property, plus its serves to restore the structural integrity of the home. Not only can adding fresh mortar prevent weakening of the chimney or walls, it can create a stronger seal between bricks to keep out moisture.
This is a process that should only be done by a professional tuckpointing contractor in Royal Oak MI.
When Do You Need Tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing is generally considered to be preventive maintenance, but there are some telltale signs that will alert you to the need for this restorative process, including:
- Broken, cracked or partially missing mortar joints
- Cracked or crumbling brick
While mortar deterioration is usually quite visible, you may need to search a bit to find loose pieces and compromised areas. Those areas should be repaired immediately to keep up the appearance of the home and prevent moisture from getting into the interior walls.
If you’re unsure if you need tuckpointing, hire a Michigan masonry contractor to come out and do an inspection. When installed properly, mortar doesn’t usually need to be replaced for up to 30 years. Of course, this will also depend on the care and maintenance you give it, as well as your local climate. Wall and chimney tuckpointing may be required more often if you live in an area that experiences frequent weather variations (i.e., near the coast). Brick and mortar can absorb water, which leads to expansion and damage to your home.
Benefits of Tuckpointing
From the illusion of crisp mortar lines to prolonged lifespan of the bricks, there are many benefits associated with tuckpointing. Tuckpointing:
- Creates the illusion of thin, crisp mortar lines
- Hides deterioration along brick edges
- Prolongs the lifespan of the brick structure
- Adds longevity to the bricks themselves
- Shields the bricks and surrounding structure from the elements
- Improves your home’s value
- Boosts curb appeal
- Prevents erosion
- Restores the original aesthetic beauty of your chimney
- Saves you money to repair the chimney rather than rebuilding
- Stops corrosion
- Restores the chimney’s structural stability
What’s the Difference Between Tuckpointing and Repointing?
Ttuckpointing and repointing are two terms that are often used interchangeably. Many people confuse tuckpointing as the process of removing old mortar and then replacing it with new mortar. The truth is, traditional tuckpointing involves the use of a mortar mix that is perfectly matched to the color of the brick, allowing the new mortar to blend in seamlessly. When the contrasting putty is placed into the new mortar lines, this results in a crisp visual that enhances the overall appearance of the brick.
Repointing, on the other hand, is the replacement of old mortar with new mortar. Both terms refer to the filling of joints between new brick with mortar. When hiring a tuckpointing contractor in Metro Detroit, make sure they know which service you need to avoid confusion.
In short, tuckpointing is a cosmetic enhancement while repointing is more of a structural repair. However, don’t take this to mean that tuckpointing does not offer protective qualities. In fact, tuckpointing gives you the same structural qualities as repointing, yet with the use of putty to bring out the mortar lines.
Request a Free Quote Tuckpointing From Dennis Robert Masonry
If you’re in need of tuckpointing in Michigan, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us today at +1 (248) 794-0066 or fill out our online form for a free consultation and quote.