Is the exterior of your brick building beginning to seem worn? Do you notice any mortar cracks or spots where the mortar is completely missing? If so, masonry work called tuckpointing might be necessary. A common masonry repair, tuckpointing is a common need for masonry work in Southern New England.
Tuckpointing can reinstate a brick structure’s integrity and keep your building sturdy for years to come. Whether a private home or a commercial establishment, tuckpointing enhances its aesthetic appeal. But before you begin a DIY job or call in a professional for tuckpointing, you may want to understand what it entails. Here at Set In Stone, we’ll cover everything that you, as a Rhode Island Homeowner, may want to know about tuckpointing. Let’s begin.
What Is Tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing is a technique used by professional contractors whereby old mortar is removed from joints, replacing it with mortar that closely matches the color of the bricks, and then embedding narrow lines of putty in a contrasting color (called “fillets”) down the centers of the new mortar joints.
The color combination in the brickwork joints creates a stunning appearance and can enhance your home’s selling ability or overall visual appeal.
Tuckpointing was created to make subpar components and craftsmanship on a residence or building’s facade appear first class.
What Is the Purpose of Tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing is used to restore damaged mortar. Tuckpointing not only strengthens the masonry’s framework but also elevates its appearance. This is especially valuable for Rhode Island and coastal homes as tuckpointing accommodates both the foundational issues of your colonial home, and the timeless aesthetic of your home.
Builders in masonry utilize the tuckpointing technique to duplicate rubbed brick masonry at a lower cost. Rubbed bricks would have a smooth, crimson finish. They were created slightly bigger than necessary, and each was manually sized to perfection. A tidy and dainty red brick complements the tiny white joints when they are laid with white mortar.
Why Is Tuckpointing Important?
Now that you know what tuckpointing is and its purpose, let’s understand why it is essential. Tuckpointing is more than an aesthetic fix, the quality of the mortar used between the bricks determines how your building divides its weight. Additionally, it closes off the cracks between the bricks to prevent moisture from penetrating the structure.
When the mortar has to be repaired, your interior walls may start to decay or collect mold because water can be drawn into holes or cracks by capillary force in the bricks. In most cases, you won’t notice these problems until significant damage has already occurred.
The simplest method to avoid paying more money for brick repair in New England as well as expensive repairs as a result of water intrusion, is to hire an expert to tuckpoint your structure as soon as you spot degradation.
What are the Benefits of Tuckpointing for Rhode Island Homeowners?
Tuckpointing has two key benefits: it keeps your building’s facade looking good and structurally robust..
As the mortar deteriorates, more water can leak into the stonework and possibly inside your structure. If the water damage starts to affect the bricks or stones, it can result in expensive repairs due to further degradation. To stop water from harming your property, tuckpointing secures the masonry, fills in any cracks, and fixes any damage.
On the exterior of your property, gaps and fractures in the masonry might seem alarming. The fixes will blend in with the rest of the structure and help preserve the building’s appearance if the tuckpointing is done correctly by a competent professional who matches the existing mortar.
What Is The Cost of Tuckpointing?
Per Fixr, it will typically cost you $500 to get work done on brick stretched across 20-square-foot. However, the cost can be as high as $3,000, depending on the size of the space and your location. Whether you need work on a chimney or a wall may also affect the cost.
So, why does tuckpointing cost so much? It is a labor-intensive job, and as with other jobs requiring meticulousness, you should expect to pay more because of the level of expertise required. Professional tuckpoint repair is still worthwhile since it can help safeguard your roof and the foundation of your building. The average cost of tuckpointing is also far less than the expense of fixing structural issues.
Is Tuckpointing the Same As Repointing?
These two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, making it challenging to determine which service your structure requires. The same outcome is achieved by both processes, strengthening your brickwork by changing the mortar. Both will prevent water from seeping into your structure through deteriorated mortar and return bricks to their correct weight distribution. They are, therefore, nearly identical in this regard.
The fillet is the only distinction between them. The mortar will be replaced during repointing, although generally with mortar that matches the structure’s color. For a clean and orderly appearance, tuckpointing takes the additional step of making sure the fillet contrasts with the structure. It is crucial to some people to make the minor price increase worthwhile.
Final Word – Leave Tuckpointing to the Professionals
One of the most frequent repairs a brick home in Rhode Island will need throughout its lifespan is tuckpointing. Although you can complete the process independently, leaving any repointing to the professionals is preferable.
When replacing mortar, the professionals know how to avoid further damage. To repair cracked masonry and prevent water intrusion, the experts at Set in Stone would be delighted to take on your tuckpointing project. We do professional masonry in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Contact us today to set up an appointment or inquire about any concerns.