For building owners, brick and stone facilities are particularly appealing because they require little to no upkeep. Brick facades can last for hundreds of years without the need for significant repairs. However, building managers must remember that even the most sturdy brick construction will require maintenance from time to time.

The cladding of interior and external walls, chimneys, and fireplaces can be done with bricks, which are durable claddings. Nevertheless, the mortar used to fill in gaps between bricks decays over time. This is when tuckpointing becomes useful.

What is Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing refers to the process of finishing or repairing mortar joints between bricks or stones by applying a thin layer of lime putty or fine lime mortar to the surface of the mortar joints. 

However, its purpose goes beyond aesthetics; it also helps protect or reinforce a building’s structural integrity by sealing off moisture. If you want to avoid further moisture problems and chimney and wall damage, you need a skilled tuckpointing mason to do the job right.

Read More: Tuckpointing 101: What You Need To Know About Tuckpointing

What cement is used in tuckpointing? 

Mortar can be used in a wide range of masonry applications, including brick, block, and stone laying, as well as repairs, such as tuckpointing.

For tuckpointing and laying, Portland cement, a hydraulic cement, is best suited for the job. Grey and white Portland cement are both standard colors for this material. 

Masonry ingredients

It is possible to make all kinds of masonry mixes using sand, Portland Cement, and Mason’s Lime, the three most commonly used elements for tuckpointing.

Mortar may be made with just these three components and the right amount of water. There are, of course, color additives, cold additives, glues, and a host of other things you can use in your mix. The fundamentals are sand, cement, and lime.

How to know if tuckpointing is necessary?

In general, mortar can survive between 20 to 30 years before needing to be repaired. A skilled mason or construction specialist can perform tuckpointing on the exterior of your building. If you don’t need tuckpointing immediately, budgeting for it is essential for a long-term strategy.

Cracked, fractured, missing, or projecting mortar joints are the most apparent indications of mortar damage. Spalling, cracking, and crumbling are other signs of bricks and stones, and in extreme cases, the structure may even crumble. Repairs should be made immediately to avoid further damage. It may be necessary to replace the stone facade in some cases.

Need tuckpointing services? Call an expert

Tuckpointing is a time-consuming process that necessitates a high level of expertise.

You should think hard before entrusting this work to a less-experienced contractor because using an inappropriate substance risk damaging the bricks. With the proper technique, the wall’s structural integrity and durability can be significantly improved.

An experienced masonry contractor like Paragon Remodeling can determine the proper depth of mortar and material to use for your facility’s bricks to ensure that your project is completed on time and within budget.