It’s never a good sign when you see a crack in your brick and mortar. Finding just one might annoy you but finding several will send you straight to the internet for a quick fix. Most search engines will show you results for tuckpointing and repointing, which you may have never heard of before. What are these terms and how are they different from one another? Continue reading to find out.
Tuckpointing
The process of using fresh mortar to fill in gaps or holes found in masonry between existing brick and mortar is tuckpointing. This particular job also ensures that the color of the new mortar matches the old.
When Tuckpointing is Necessary
Minor cracking and crumbling will become apparent in masonry when tuckpointing is necessary. It will, however, be impossible to get the full picture until you thoroughly wash your structure’s surface. Even if the damage is minor, tuckpointing now will prevent the need for repointing in the future.
How Often Should I Tuckpoint?
If handled by a professional, then the answer is not too often. The reason people use brick and mortar is that they’re incredibly durable materials. One complication is that they are not impervious to water. This means that humidity and rain can lead to damage over time. Check up on your home’s masonry every so often but especially after a major storm. If you’ve had it done recently, you may just need to do it again a few years down the road.
Repointing
While tuckpointing is more of a preventative and aesthetic fix, repointing is the process of sealing mortar joints that are exposed to the elements. This particular job keeps water out to prevent further cracking or much larger repairs from taking place.
When Repointing is Necessary
Cracks in brick and mortar can start small like that of a car windshield hit by a rock. In the same sense, that crack can slowly grow and threaten the integrity of an entire structure. Next, it will start to crumble and, depending on where this takes place, can cause a collapse. This is when repointing becomes necessary.
How Often Should You Repoint?
Repointing will only take place when damages need to be repaired. Like with tuckpointing, a professional will be able to locate all of the areas where your masonry needs to be repointed. If you have multiple structures with damages, try to get them all taken care of at the same time.
A Dynamic Duo
Tuckpointing and repointing are commonly offered together depending on your needs. If your chimney looks questionable and the side of your home is starting to show its age, we can help! Ferguson Roofing offers Tuckpointing + Repointing to keep your masonry in top condition. We’ll even clean existing brickwork for you to determine the health of the structure first.
Call today for a free home visit! Dial (314) 521-6917 for Missouri or call (618) 212-1912 for Illinois.