Tuckpointing is the process of repairing and replacing mortar joints between the bricks. It has been around for centuries, but it has evolved into an art that requires skill and experience to do correctly. The technique of tuckpointing involves removing old mortar from the joints by cutting out the damaged section with a chisel and hammer, cleaning away any debris, then adding new materials such as new mortar or lime putty to fill in gaps between bricks or stone blocks. This process can be done on both masonry structures like chimneys and fireplaces and on brick buildings facing walls where water seeps through cracks in the surface, causing damage to the underlying structure.
Homeowners often wonder how much a tuckpointing job will cost. It is not an easy answer because many factors go into determining the final price of the project. Factors such as where you live, what type of brick or stone your home has, and who is doing the tuckpointing all contribute to the final price. The most critical factor in determining how much a tuckpointing job will cost is whether you want it done by professionals or if you want to do it yourself at home with some help from YouTube videos. If you choose to hire professionals, they can provide more expertise than if you were to try this project on your own, resulting in little to no damage being done during the process and therefore saving money in the long run.
In this blog post, we discuss the average price of tuckpointing services depending on different factors involved in the project.
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Why is tuckpointing so expensive?
Tuckpointing can be expensive because many variables affect the cost, such as what material you use, how much needs repair, and where the damage occurs on your homes. However, the result is worth the cost as it will add value to your home while also preventing water damage from occurring.
Tuckpointing Cost
Many factors affect the cost of tuckpointing that homeowners should know about. For example, if your bricks are in poor condition or have a lot of brickwork to do, this will affect how much it costs for professional services. Additionally, if you live in an older home with historic brickwork, this also affects the price because they may need to use specific tools and materials on your project. Lastly, some contractors charge by square foot while others charge hourly, so be sure to ask them before signing any contracts to get an idea of what type of service you will receive.
Tuckpointing Cost Per Square Foot
Similar to other home renovation projects, tuckpointing is usually priced by square footage. The average cost per square foot generally ranges anywhere from $5 -$10. Therefore, tuckpointing projects can cost anywhere from $250 to $15,000. Every option is different, so it’s worth talking through what you need before committing anything. Below are some of the standard sizes and costs to tuckpoint a brick house.
| Square Feet | Average Price |
| 10 sq. ft. | $250 |
| 50 sq. ft. | $1,000 |
| 100 sq. ft. | $1,500 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $2,500 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $5,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $10,000 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $15,000 |
Tuckpointing Cost by Material
There are three primary materials used in tuckpointing projects – cement, lime-based mortar, and caulk. Your contractor may charge you based on which material is suitable for your home. Below is a list of the average costs for tuckpointing materials per gallon.
| Material | Average Cost per Gallon |
| Cement | $25 |
| Lime-Based | $30 |
| Caulk | $50 |
Tuckpointing Cost by Mortar Type
The next main component when pricing a tuckpointing project is mortar type. There are four main types of mortar that you can choose from – type M, S, N, and O. Each type has its unique properties and specific uses. The table below shows the different mortar types, their respective pound per square inch (PSI), and cost per bag.
PSI is a unit of pressure used to measure the amount of force applied over an area. This number can be helpful in many different circumstances, including home remodeling projects. Therefore, it’s essential to know the correct amount of PSI needed to ensure your project goes smoothly and doesn’t cause any damage to your property.
| Mortar Type | PSI | Average Cost Per Bag |
| M | 2,500 | $5-$10 |
| S | 1,800 | $5-$10 |
| N | 750 | $5-$20 |
| O | 350 | $20-$50 |
Tuckpointing Cost Per Linear Foot
The price of tuckpointing projects can be per linear foot, depending on the contractor you hired. This is an easy way to estimate, but it can also lead you into making a purchase that might not be necessary or even desired for your project’s needs- so take the time before committing. The table below shows the average costs for a brick wall tuckpointing project per linear foot, including materials and labor.
| Linear Feet | Average Price |
| 55 linear feet | $250 |
| 275 linear feet | $1,000 |
| 550 linear feet | $1,500 |
| 2,750 linear feet | $2,500 |
| 5,500 linear feet | $5,000 |
| 11,000 linear feet | $10,000 |
| 16,500 linear feet | $15,000 |
Does tuckpointing add value to your home?
Tuckpointing is a process used to seal up the mortar between bricks or stones. It can be done in the form of brick-to-brick, brick-to-stone, or stone-to-stone. The process is not only for aesthetics but also to protect your home from water damage and structural collapse. Tuckpointing adds value to your home because it increases its curb appeal, protects against damage, and makes it last longer.
Before you decide whether tuckpointing is right for you, consult with a professional mason so that they can determine if this upgrade is necessary for your home’s foundation before making any decisions on having the work completed.
Paragon Remodeling is a home remodeling company that offers excellent tuckpointing services. We provide residential and commercial properties with the best service possible to ensure they are in perfect shape before winter arrives. Contact us today to get your free estimate!
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