Tuckpointing is integral to maintaining a brick structure, as it helps prevent water damage and strengthen the overall system.
The process is best done by a professional tuckpointing contractor, who will have the necessary tools and experience to repair the joints properly.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about the process of tuckpointing. Read on to learn more!
The Tuckpointing Process
Tuckpointing is a necessary repair when the mortar joints begin to deteriorate. Once the mortar joints become damaged, they can allow water to enter the wall, leading to further damage and even structural problems.
Tuckpointing is also a cosmetic repair, as it can restore the original appearance of a masonry wall. It involves removing the old mortar from the joints, cleaning out debris, and then filling the joints with new mortar.
The Tuckpointing Process
Here are the steps involved in tuckpointing:
Remove The Loose Mortar
Before beginning any repair, you must clear the area of all loose and deteriorated mortar. You can do this with a hammer and cold chisel or using a grinder to cut the mortar before chiseling it out.
Prepare The Joints
Remove the dust and lose mortar from the seams with a stiff brush. Wet the joints by dipping the brush into a pail of water and scrubbing it across them. It’s all right to get the bricks wet, but don’t spray the wall with a hose; instead, use a brush.
Mix the Mortar
To create the perfect mixture, follow these steps: first, mix a small amount of mortar with clean water, following the directions set by the manufacturer. Second, use a bucket and masonry trowel to complete this process.
Pack the Horizontal Joints
Insert a small pat of mortar into the mortar hawk (or a 12-inch square of plywood) and drop it onto the tuck point. Tuckpointing should first be done on the horizontal joints.
With a slip pointer, slide some mortar into the exposed gap in conjunction with pushing the brick against the tuck pointer.
Pack the Vertical Joints
Use a tuck pointer to scoop a small amount of mortar and fill in the open vertical joints. Ensure that any extra mortar is scraped off, so the joint is leveled with the brick.
Tool the Joints
As you work, check the mortar occasionally. It may start to stiffen after approximately 30 minutes of mixing.
Monitor The Curing
It allows the tooled joints to sit for approximately thirty minutes or until the mortar is firm. Then use a stiff-bristled brush to remove loose mortar from the joints and any spilled mortar on the bricks.
What Are Some Other Benefits Of Tuckpointing?
If your masonry looks old and worn, tuckpointing can make it look new again by matching the color and texture of the original mortar.
Get The Best Tuckpointing Service From The Experts
Our tuckpointing contractors take pleasure in our work at Craftsman Masonry. We are a small crew of specialists that count on our excellent name and recommendation to generate business.
If you’ve been looking “tuckpointing near me,” look no further than Craftsman Masonry. Our tuckpointing contractors have been in the business for a long time and have worked many jobs, from tiny repairs to major residential projects.