There comes a time in every brick’s life when it has performed its essential duty to the best of its ability, but it can no longer function as it used to. Though the average lifespan of a brick building is 100 years, the only way it survives that long is through repairing your mortar with a technique known as tuckpointing.
Tuckpointing is the industry standard for repairing mortar joints that have deteriorated due to weather or time.
The process involves some masonry magic—that is, making old mortar look brand new.
Once a contractor is chosen for the job, they will begin removing the mortar with an angle grinder or similar tool, eventually brewing up a batch of fresh mortar to apply to the joints. The finished product is often very uniform and aesthetically pleasing. A good contractor will ensure that neighbors don’t even realize you had any work done on the house!
But how will you know if your brick building even needs tuckpointing? Are the signs really that hidden? Only an established masonry contractor can tell you that, which is why we will be going over it in this blog.
What Does Tuckpointing Do?
The end goal of tuckpointing is to create consistent and attractive patterns that look natural and maintain the original vision of the building. Two colors of mortar, one to match the brick and one to match the mortar joints, are used for the process.
When a professional alternates the two colors, it creates a visual phenomenon: seamless brickwork. This beautiful technique can boost the value of your property while providing a necessary function.
Common Signs of Needing Brick Repair
Bricks themselves are rarely the problem; it’s always the mortar you must look out for. If you can dig the mortar out with your finger, there’s something wrong. That crumbly consistency, like flour, is due to weather erosion and can let water into parts of your home through little holes. Speaking of water damage, you can also check your interior walls for water spots and that may indicate a compromised mortar joint.
A crack or gap may be visible to your naked eye, but it always helps to have someone inspect your structure that understands what to take note of.
What Happens if you Don’t Get Tuckpointing
Every year you put off tuckpointing is another year of potential damage. Untreated mortar exposed to constant elements will eventually deteriorate. Even if you think it’s just one spot that’s compromised, there can be a loose brick or two that can cause shift in your home’s appearance.
Don’t forget—pests can also use these little gaps as gateways into your home. We just explained that investing in tuckpointing can increase property value and not investing in tuckpointing can end up deterring potential buyers. You don’t want a poorly maintained brick wall to be what separates you from the market.
Keep Your Structure Stunning and Solid
Tuckpointing is an essential tool for brick masons to help your home remain gorgeous. No brick wall is unsavable so long as it is still standing. This asset is with you for life. Why treat it any differently than your lawn, your kitchen, or your basement? Call the brick and block wall repair experts and Primo Contracting in Rochester Hills. We are a vastly experienced general contracting firm that specializes in brick masonry services including tuckpointing, block wall repair, custom home masonry and more.
Brick repair in any capacity is a project you do not want to DIY. Speak with a masonry and construction expert about your structure or building today!