Mortar plays a critical role in brick buildings’ structural integrity and visual appeal. As time passes, weathering can wear down mortar joints, affecting buildings’ visual charm and stability. To uphold and restore the appearance of masonry, one essential technique comes into play: Tuckpointing.
Keep reading to find out more!
Tuckpointing involves using two different shades of mortar to fill in the mortar joints of brickwork and blend them seamlessly. It is a skilled job for an experienced mason, as it involves blending the mortar so a casual viewer cannot tell a repair has been done.
Here are some of the most common signs that a building may need tuckpointing:
1. Color changes in mortar
2. Flaking or peeling
3. Cracks in the bricks themselves
Mortar usually remains in good condition for 20 to 30 years before requiring maintenance. A skilled mason should examine your building’s exterior to identify when tuckpointing might be needed. Even if there’s no immediate requirement, it’s crucial to prepare and set aside funds for future tuckpointing needs.
When tuckpointing is neccessary, here is the 3-Step Proccess.
1. Removal of damaged mortar
2. Application of new mortar
3. Application of Finer Mortar