When it comes to prolonging the life of your brick home, chimney, or structure, nothing is more crucial than the integrity of your masonry. Bricks are sturdy building blocks meant to stand the harsh weather conditions and extreme temperature changes in Chicago. But naturally anything over time will deteriorate and the mortar in your bricks will be the first to go. Mortar not only holds bricks together and creates aesthetic appeal, but also protects your home from outside elements such as water or even bugs. In order to maintain or repair crumbling mortar, masons use a skillful technique called tuckpointing. In this blog we will go over what tuckpointing is and its importance to the lifespan of your brickwork.
So What Is Tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing is a process in which a mason will carefully remove old damaged mortar and replace it with new mortar. This not only creates a more visually appealing structure, but strengthens the overall integrity of your brick structure. Unlike repointing, which only focuses on functionality, tuckpointing also includes the method of properly color matching and shaping the mortar to create an aesthetic curb appeal.
Want To Learn More About The Difference Between Tuckpointing & Repointing? click here.
Why Is Tuckpointing Important?
Prevents Water Infiltration
Deteriorating mortar joints can leave cracks and entryways that allow water to seep into your home. It is important to maintain and repair damaged mortar to prevent leaking and future costly damages. Tuckpointing is a necessary process to keep your mortar intact, sealing away the path for moisture which can lead to water damage and mold.
Improves Structural Integrity
Crumbling mortar can cause loose bricks or uneven weight distribution. Proper tuckpointing and maintenance for your brick mortar will prevent further damage that can cause your brick structure to sag or bulge, leaving you with no choice but to rebuild. This is especially important for your brick chimney, which is constantly hit with extreme weather and temperature changes.
Enhance Aesthetic Appeal
Tuckpointing does more than repair the integrity of your structure, but it also improves the aesthetic of your masonry. Experienced masonry contractors use time tested color matching techniques that leave your brickwork looking clean and polished.
When Do I Need Tuckpointing? Can I Do It Myself?
If you are noticing cracking or crumbling in your chimney or brick structure’s mortar, this is an obvious sign you need tuckpointing services. It is always recommended that you call out a skilled mason to properly inspect and service your brickwork. An experienced brickworker will be able to identify damages that may not be noticeable to the common eye. If you have an older home or are unsure about the integrity of your brick, contact a masonry expert.
Do You Need Tuckpointing Services In The Chicago Area?
Whether your mortar has severe crumbling or minor damage, it is a good idea to always have your mortar inspected and maintained by a professional. Damaged mortar in your chimney or wall can lead to way more harmful and costly situations than just being unappealing. Kerry Tuckpointing repairs chimneys and brick work all over Beverly, Roseland, Oak Lawn, Burbank, and other Chicagoland areas. If you need expert tuckpointing services, contact our team today for a free quote!
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