When it Comes to Chimney Masonry Repair, What Exactly is Tuckpointing?

1. When it Comes to Chimney Masonry Repair, What Exactly is Tuckpointing? Tuckpointing is the name for the process of replacing mortar between bricks. In some places, it is simply known as pointing or repointing. There are some cases in which tuckpointing is purely aesthetic, such as when homeowners want to change the color of the mortar between bricks for a more refined look, but for the most part, it is done when masonry is in need of repair. The Best Time to Tuckpoint Though tuckpointing can occur at any time to change the appearance of your chimney masonry, the best time to do it is when there is damage to the mortar between the chimney bricks or when the mortar is simply missing. In fact, if you notice this sort of damage, it is crucial to schedule a repair right away. Moisture can enter through the gaps where the mortar is cracked or missing, which can cause your chimney’s masonry to deteriorate very quickly. It may also allow moisture to penetrate into the main part of your home, which can cause a significant (and expensive) amount of damage. Common Problems that Call for Tuckpointing Services To check your mortar yourself, take an old key and scratch the mortar with moderate pressure. If you notice any sort of crumbling, if it produces dust, or if the mortar cracks under pressure, this signifies that the mortar has started to deteriorate and should be replaced. Of course, other signs of problems that would require tuckpointing services include cracks in the mortar, places where the mortar has crumbled and fallen from between the bricks, or problems with the bricks themselves such as spalling. Why Timely Repairs are Crucial Though bricks and mortar are designed to last a very long time, particularly when they are waterproofed regularly, there will come a time when the material simply starts to wear out. Heat from the sun, driving rain, wind, and other factors will eventually cause deterioration. Failing to tuckpoint when necessary – or putting off tuckpointing due to hassle or expense – is never a good idea. When mortar goes missing or is in poor condition, the rate at which your chimney starts to deteriorate increases significantly. If you let it go too long without repairs, the only real fix may involve removing the masonry altogether and completely relaying it. Fortunately, this can be avoided in almost all cases. When Tuckpointing Isn’t Enough Though it’s true that tuckpointing can solve many common problems with chimneys and extend their lifespans, putting repairs off too long can be devastating. If you are unsure as to whether your chimney is a candidate for tuckpointing, just check the bricks or stones yourself. If you can move any of the stones or bricks at all, this means they have come loose. At this point, tuckpointing is no longer an option; your chimney must be demolished and completely rebuilt in order to properly protect your home. Tuckpointing is a relatively simple procedure for an experienced chimney technician. Scheduling your tuckpointing appointment at the first sign of trouble is important since mortar damage can escalate and spread quickly, leading to moisture damage, loose bricks, and more. Though it will require a repair, these are very small compared to the cost and labor involved in a complete chimney rebuild.