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Tuckpointing vs Repointing: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?
The details matter. At least they matter to us. And if you’re a homeowner in need of hardscaping work, they probably mean a great deal to you, too. While brick masonry is a hardy, reliable standard of building material, it requires maintenance and care just like any other part of your home. Well-maintained brick can have a lifetime of over a century, but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to occasional problems, like deteriorating mortar.
What is Mortar?
Mortar is a paste-like substance used as a bonding agent to help building materials like bricks stay together in a cohesive structure. Mortar is made from cement, sand, and water, which react with one another to harden. The application prevents gaps and creates a weather-tight seal as it hardens.
While bricks have a lifetime of over a hundred years, mortar isn’t quite as long-lasting. This normally isn’t a problem for the first 20-30 years after application, but that can depend on the level of exposure and care. Mortar is susceptible to freeze-thaw cycles, moisture intrusion, salt depositions, or even just not being applied the first time correctly. If you notice cracked, powdery, crumbling, or missing chunks, then it’s time to call a professional.
Repointing
Repointing is the process of removing the deteriorating mortar from the masonry and replacing it with fresh mortar to prevent further damage. This improves the overall structural integrity of your home’s masonry, not to mention the aesthetic appeal. While repointing can help, it is important to find out why the deterioration is happening in the first place, or the problem will just be repeated. This is why you want a professional assessment before making any choice regarding repair.
Tuckponting
Tuckpointing is the process of removing the deteriorating mortar from the masonry and replacing it with fresh mortar to prevent further damage.
I know, it feels like I just said that! Tuckpointing accomplishes a lot of the same structural goals as repointing, improving the integrity of your masonry. But it adds a level of craftsmanship that creates a more seamless look to your structure. Two distinct mortar colors are used, one that looks more like brick and one that acts as a contrasting color. Through correct application and labor, you get more elegant and finer joints as opposed to thick or chunky mortar.
Which Do I Need?
If you’re trying to decide right now if you need to repoint or tuckpoint, the first thing to do is call a reliable contractor. Most contractors will be more than happy to conduct a free inspection and give you their professional advice on what’s best for your property. That being said, it helps if you can document the damage you see. In general, you want to repoint if your goals are structural integrity. You want to tuckpoint if your structure is sound, but the mortar is uneven, thick, or discolored.
What The Worst That Could Happen?
Repairs and construction can be frustrating, we know. The end goal is always to leave you with your expectations exceeded. One of the best ways to do that is through regular maintenance. That way, any problems are spotted quickly, and any needed repairs can be kept relatively small and efficient. Of course, if your mortar is neglected, the end results can be big and expensive.
Freeze-Thaw: During the cold season, moisture seeps into cracks and pores, turning into ice when the temperature drops. The ice expands, making the gaps bigger. When the temperature rises, the ice melts, more moisture seeps in, and the process repeats, weakening the mortar.
Pest Infestation: Pests love those weakened gaps in the brick. It’s the perfect place to crawl in and make a nice nest. Ants and termites are pretty common, though bees and rodents can also take advantage of the disrepair.
Raising Energy Costs: If the gaps and cracks go deep enough, they can have a negative effect on your temperature control. Air and moisture can pass through, causing your energy bill to skyrocket.
Structural Deterioration: As the damage gets more extensive, it also compounds. The more cracks, gaps, and powder, the easier it is for moisture to penetrate deep into the mortar. The longer the problem is allowed to continue, the faster your masonry is going to get worse.
When you’re ready for repairs in hardscaping, you want a contractor with a full range of expertise. Hicon has been your trusted Cincinnati and Kentucky masonry expert for almost 50 years. Whether you’re looking to repoint your basement brickwork or seamless tuckpointing on your historical architecture renovation, we have the professional you’re looking for.