Tuckpointing Old Mortar Joints – What You Should Know?

Mortar joints can be damaged due to the elements of nature and need a tuckpointing job regularly. Buildings that were constructed in the 1900’s were constructed with very little use of mortar. There were no or very few joints for expansion. As a result the mortar cracked faster due to expansion and contraction of the joints. Some buildings had unstable foundations that lead to cracks in the joints further. For older buildings the first step in tackling the problem is to fix the joints before application of mortar by tuckpointing.

Lets read a little more about the best suited treatment for fixing old mortar joints – 

1. Raking Of Old Joints

Old mortar joints should not be raked more than half an inch. It basically implies the removal of mortar that is damaged from the joint. It can be removed with the help of a hand grinder or a specialized raking tool. Tuckpointing contractors in Chicago, warn that care should be taken to not to cut the brick while raking. All loose pieces should be removed before tuckpointing is started.

2. The Right Selection of Mortar

The mortar that is selected should match the existing mortar in terms of color, texture and hardness. Most experienced brick repair specialist will first run a test to check the proportions. Finding a proportion that resembles the old Portland cement might not be easy, so look for the closest.  

3. The Finishing Touches

Tuckpointing contractors in Chicago, advsie that tuckpointing might be done with a modern approach, but it is the finishing that matters in buildings with old mortar joints. Once the tuckpointing is complete a stiff brush should be swiped over the bricks in a diagonal fashion in order to remove all extra mortar. Now with the help of a V shaped mortar tool the mortar should be pressed down firmly. 

To know more about Tuckpointing related  issues click here to contact Fortune Restoration.

 

 

Tips on Maintaining Long Lasting Masonry

For a long lasting masonry, there are certain details you should always be aware of. Bricks, once completely damaged are difficult to heal, so it’s better you do your bit at the earliest. Check out what masonry contractors in Chicago have to say about this.

 Bricks are known for their stability and resilience. They are the most trustworthy raw material for making any structure long lasting. But to look after it and see that it lasts even longer you should keep these steps in mind.

1. In Brick Masonry Always Try to Avoid Moldy Bricks

You should always avoid moldy bricks, they tend to decay faster. However the bricks that get very little sunlight tend to get mossy and to get rid of it, you can scrub the area with a little bleach mixed in water using a brush.

2. Brick Water Damage in Brick Masonry

If bricks become damaged by water and a salt mark is visible, then you have to quickly get rid of it by applying tri-sodium phosphate diluted with more warm water using a soft-bristled brush. An acid-based cleaner can also be used on bricks.

3. Use Tuck-Pointing to Quickly Fix Crumbling or Damaged Bricks

Tuck-Pointing is essential once you find cracks and holes in the bricks. It is a technique where the damaged or crumbled portion of the brick is removed and replaced with fresh mortar. But, you have to be careful while choosing the new mortar, because it needs to match with the rest of it.

4. Abrasive Brick Masonry Cleaning Methods can be Harmful for Bricks

Regular cleaning is the best way to maintain them but, some cleaners are very harsh. Therefore, you need to be very careful and avoid over-doing anything on them. Or else, your bricks will lose their natural look.