Masonry Repair & Tuckpointing Services

Tuckpointing is the process of replacing the mortar between the brick and stone. It also includes other masonry processes in your fireplace and chimney to fix any bad mortar joints. To do this, you need our professional masonry repair Chicago services. We will grind out the old damaged mortar and replace it with new mortar. You do not need to worry about mismatched colors. This is because we will match your existing color so that the new and old mortar blend seamlessly.

Let’s outline the complete procedure involved in tuckpointing or re-pointing Chicago. However, let’s explain the precise meaning of this term. We will look at three definitions of Tuckpointing or re-pointing. You can use these terms interchangeably.

What is Tuck pointing?

Tuckpointing involves two different mortar colors typically with a contrasting one matching the color of the brick. This creates an impression that a fine joint has been used to link the two bricks. We essentially match the brick color with the mortar we use in filling the joint. We then add the thinner line of contrasting motor on top. However, this procedure requires the services of a skilled masonry repair Chicago tradesman.

Pointing denotes the visible, external part of a mortar joint. This is the mortar line one sees between the blocks, stones, bricks, etc. Re-pointing involves the removal of fading and old mortar from between the stones, bricks, or blocks. Experts then replace this with new mortar.

From the three definitions, it is apparent that the majority of clients in Chicago state and by extension those of Chicagoland Fireplace & Chimney Restoration are more interested in re-pointing than the rest, yet still call it tuckpointing. Having said, that let’s now shift our focus on explaining the common masonry wall re-pointing procedure.

Tuckpointing – Brick Wall Repointing

There are 3 key parts of this procedure alongside with some other smaller, but still important parts.

1) Old Mortar Removal – This involves cutting out of the old as well as deteriorating joints in stone, block, and brick masonry wall. We use the following implements; plugging or joint chisels, dogging, and tools comb hammers devoted for this purpose. We make tuckpointing in such a way that in future, they will be able to bind inside the joint; they also stop chipping the wall edges.

Residential tuck pointing  involves power cleaning the masonry wall. It is not only faster but also an easier method of raking out the old mortar. Experts use an angle grinder that has a 5 or 6 mm mortar raking. The most common method used is in conjunction with a vacuum to make dust control easy. It is clear enough that on many of the tuck-pointed Chicago buildings, people involved ignore the re-pointing step. In other cases, they scratch the old mortar to provide hold for the application of new mortar. This is risky since there are consequences of not removing the old mortar. If this happens to be your decision, ensure you understand the repercussions such as the newly applied mortar dropping fast. This eventually fully means you have wasted your hard earned savings as well as the time invested in the process.

2) Cleanup – The next step is eliminating any remaining wreckage and dust from the surfaces of the masonry. It also involves dampening them to ensure thorough grip for the newly applied mortar. Power washing the wall surfaces using plain water makes this possible.3) New Mortar Application – The third step and probably the last step involves the application of the new mortar. This is a rather gradual, meticulous effort which requires exceptional skills. Also, it requires a lot of patience. Chicagoland Fireplace & Chimney Restoration experts always apply the mortar by hand using some very distinct hand tools. The tools include a slasher, also known as mortar jointer, a pointing trowel, and a tray. Naturally, the joints are a packed flush with the wall surface then, by means of the mortar joiner. We slightly down, and lastly brush clean for an elegant appearance.  This may appear to be a rather easy job, but it is not. Actually, it is a tedious and very technical job. For this reason, it is a good idea to let a masonry repair Chicago handle the process. We use the covering to hide the fact that there is a fresh restoration. If the fresh tucks seem to be a new addition, then clearly the work is poor.

Remember, if you notice cracks, chips or any sort of damage to the brick, block, or stone, then tuckpointing is required.