Tuckpointing & Repointing Services

What Is Tuckpointing and Why Does It Matter?

Tuckpointing is the process of removing old, deteriorated mortar from between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. The mortar joints might not seem important, but they are actually crucial to your wall's strength and weather resistance. When mortar crumbles or falls out, water gets inside your walls. That water causes all sorts of problems, from mold and rot to structural damage.

Many people use the terms tuckpointing and repointing interchangeably, and for most purposes, they mean the same thing. Technically, tuckpointing refers to a decorative finish where you use two colors of mortar to create fine lines that make the joints look smaller. Repointing simply means replacing old mortar with new. Either way, the goal is to restore your masonry's integrity and stop water intrusion.

Here in Macon-Bibb, mortar takes a beating from our climate. Hot summers, humid conditions, and winter freezes all work against your mortar joints. Over time, they crack, crumble, and wash away. Regular tuckpointing prevents small issues from becoming expensive structural repairs. It's one of the best investments you can make in your property.

Our Professional Tuckpointing Process

Quality tuckpointing requires skill, patience, and attention to detail. Here is how we ensure results that last for decades.

Step by Step Approach

• 1

  Mortar Removal: We carefully grind out old mortar to a depth of at least three quarters of an inch. This gives the new mortar plenty of surface area to bond with. We use specialized tools that remove mortar without damaging the bricks.

• 2

  Joint Cleaning: All dust and debris must be removed from the joints. We use compressed air and brushes to ensure the joints are perfectly clean. Any remaining dust will prevent proper bonding.

• 3

  Mortar Matching: We analyze your existing mortar to match its color, texture, and strength. Using mortar that is too hard can actually damage softer historic bricks. The mix must be compatible with your specific masonry.

• 4

  Joint Wetting: Before applying new mortar, we dampen the joints with water. This prevents the old bricks from sucking moisture out of the new mortar too quickly, which would weaken the bond.

• 5

  Mortar Application: Fresh mortar is packed tightly into the joints in layers. Each layer is compressed to eliminate air pockets and ensure maximum strength and water resistance.

• 6

  Tooling and Finishing: Once the mortar reaches the right consistency, we tool the joints to match your wall's original profile. Proper tooling compacts the mortar and creates a smooth, weather-resistant surface.

• 7

  Cleanup: We clean all mortar residue from the brick faces and surrounding areas. The finished work should look clean and professional.

We also handle tuckpointing for chimneys, foundations, and retaining walls. Every project gets the same careful attention to detail.