Everything you need to know about Tuck-pointing!

Tuck-pointing is a technique used in construction that entails completing masonry joints with a thin, pointed ridge of mortar. This is done for decorative purposes as opposed to the typical slightly convex finish that is used in conventional mason work.

Do you wish to improve the aesthetic of a brick structure, whether it be on the inside or the outside? Find out everything about tuck-pointing in this blog by New York Brick Pointing.

Brick buildings that may be more than a century old can be found lining the streets of most historic downtown districts. These buildings can be identified by their distinctive brown color. In addition to residential structures, commercial structures such as office buildings, store fronts, courthouses, churches, libraries, and hospitals are all frequently built using bricks or stones.

Moisture, mold, and other components of the environment may, over the course of several decades, cause the mortar that is used to connect the bricks and stones to deteriorate. It is possible that if it is not addressed in a timely manner using tuck-pointing, it will lead to repairs that are even more expensive. Ever wonder how the age-old buildings in Europe still surviving? Well, that is because of the process of Tuck-pointing.

Let’s Delineate the Process of Tuck-pointing

As already discussed, tuck-pointing, also known as repointing or brick pointing, is a method that is used for repairing the mortar joints such as one found between stones and bricks. This is done using a very narrow ridge of fine lime mortar or lime putty. 

Although tuck-pointing gives the exterior of a building a makeover, its function is not merely cosmetic; on top of improving the appearance of a building, it also preserves and improves the structural integrity of a building by preventing moisture. Tuck-pointing must be performed by a skilled mason who possesses the expertise in order to prevent moisture damage to the chimneys or walls of your building.

When is Tuck Pointing Required?

Before it needs to be repaired or replaced, mortar generally lasts between 20 and 30 years. Have a trained mason or a seasoned construction specialist evaluate the exterior of your building to see if tuck-pointing is necessary. The need for tuck-pointing may not arise immediately, but it’s still a good idea to plan ahead for it and allocate funds accordingly.

Mortar joints that are cracked, fractured, or partially missing, as well as those that are projecting from the surface, are some of the most evident indications of mortar degradation. Spalling, cracking, and crumbling are all symptoms of damage to bricks or stones, and they may even come loose from the structure. These conditions require immediate attention to prevent further damage to the building. The exterior of the building may need to be replaced if the situation worsens.

It is recommended that tuck-pointing be done as a prophylactic measure long before a brick wall or masonry building is plainly in need of repair. Because it can be difficult for a normal individual to spot the early symptoms of mortar damage, it is necessary to employ the assistance of an expert to analyze your requirements and take action accordingly. 

Tuck-pointing mortar joints in historic brick buildings are crucial because most of these buildings were built without modern ventilation methods like air gaps, weeps, and vents. 

The absence of these factors increases the risk that moisture will continue to seep into the interior finishes from the masonry. Mold and mildew have the potential to grow along this path, adding an extra layer of worry about their impact on one’s health. The moisture can enter the wall assembly and it is even possible that it eventually freezes if there is nowhere for it to leave. This will cause the building components to start deteriorating. This is a very critical problem in areas where the temperature tends to be lower.

If a brick building’s exterior is showing cracks, it may be because its base is shifting or has been damaged. And if this is the case, you should consult a brick-pointing expert to fix things immediately before letting any further structural damage.

 How is Tuck-pointing Done?

Tuck-pointing requires a lot of manual labor, and the associated expenditures can quickly build up if there is significant mortar deterioration. It is for this reason that it is best to be proactive in order to limit the need for future repairs.

A router or grinder is the tool of choice for the first step in the mason’s process, which is to remove any broken mortar. Personal protection equipment (PPE) such as goggles, respirators, other dust suppression equipment, and face shields are often used in order to assist in mitigating the dangers that are connected with exposure to tiny dust particles.

After filling the routed sections with new mortar that matches the brick, the next step is to cut thin strips through the center of the joints to produce grooves. The very last thing that needs to be done is to mix the last coat of mortar so that it is the same color as the initial mortar and fill up the groove that is thinner. 

This method produces smooth lines and sturdy joints in the finished product. It is often necessary to coordinate with both the masons and the supplier of the mortar in order to appropriately match the new mortar. This is done to make sure that the new one blends well as naturally as possible.

Hire New York Brick Pointing Experts to Get Tuck Pointing Done Properly

Walls and chimneys will have a longer lifespan if they have professional tuck-pointing done to them because it will avoid further damage from environmental factors. Be careful whenever you are planning on performing renovations for your brick or stone mansions because it is inevitably essential to hire an expert for such structural changes. You may ensure that your tuck-pointing is done correctly by contacting the specialists at New York Brick Pointing.