Signs Your Brick Bungalow Home Needs Spot Tuckpointing

Brick bungalows are some of the most popular homes in Chicagoland, making up about a third of the city’s single-family homes. With their charming aesthetic and sturdy build, bungalows make for a great home environment. However, brick is a material that requires some maintenance. Tuckpointing is a process where a professional mason will fill in cracks and gaps in your brick’s mortar, renewing the beauty and structural integrity of the material. Spot tuckpointing is the same process, but only to small heavily damaged areas of the brick. Here are some signs that your brick bungalow home may need spot tuckpointing. 

Cracked Mortar

Mortar is the substance that holds your bricks together by filling in the gaps between them. This material is vulnerable to weather damage over time, leaving cracks and possible gaps between bricks. If you notice cracking in your mortar, you should address it right away by seeking a licensed spot tuckpointing service. An experienced spot tuck pointer will fill in these cracks, restoring the seal between the bricks and preventing further damage. 

Water Damage Efflorescence

Efflorescence, also called “salt staining” occurs when water seeps into bricks and leaves white deposits on the surface of the brick. If there are cracks in your brick’s mortar, water is able to seep through and cause damage to the bricks. Especially when the cold Chicago weather rolls in, water expands as it freezes and then melts again when it warms up, leaving an even bigger crack than before. It is important to seek masonry repairs for your brick if you notice any water damage or stains. An expert spot tuckpointing technician can fill in these cracks and prevent any further damage from occurring. 

To learn more about brick discoloration and the causes, click here.

Loose or Crumbling Bricks 

If the mortar between your bricks has become damaged, it can loosen the bricks or even cause them to crumble. Spot tuckpointing, filling in these gaps, will make the brick uniform again, restoring the structural integrity and aesthetics of your masonry. Consult a professional mason about any loose or crumbling areas of brick on your brick bungalow home. 

Receding Mortar Joints 

Over time with weather deterioration and temperature changes, the mortar that holds bricks together can break down, creating gaps and loose bricks. This issue needs to be addressed as gaps and loose bricks can lead to further damage that will be much more costly in the future. A spot tuckpointing mason can add mortar to these weak areas to strengthen them and make the brick structure last longer. 

Holes in Mortar 

If there are holes in your mortar, water can seep through and expand, making the holes larger and potentially damaging the brick. Water infiltration weakens brick structures, so it is important to get holes in your mortar repaired before more damage occurs. A professional spot tuck pointer will fill in these holes, making the structure more structurally sound. 

Is Your Brick Bungalow In Need Of Spot Tuckpointing in the Chicago Area? 

If you notice cracks, gaps, or holes in your mortar or crumbling bricks, your brick bungalow home may be in need of spot tuckpointing services. Kerry Tuckpointing offers professional spot tuckpointing services to the Chicago and Chicagoland community. Our experienced spot tuck pointers will work quickly and precisely to ensure your brick is strong and beautiful again in no time! With our expert color-matching techniques, your brick will look like new when we are done. If you are in need of spot tuckpointing services for your brick bungalow home in the Merrionette Park, Beverly, Burbank, or Ashburn areas, contact us today!