The Five Most Basic Tuckpointing Tips

Tuckpointing is a common technique of repairing bricks and mortar joints. In this restoration process, the damaged mortar between the bricks is replaced with tucking mortar.

Because Tuckpointing requires proper technique and time, it is best left to professional masons.

But, if not dissuaded by this and want to try your hand, here’s a few pro tips to keep in mind given by Tuckpointing contractors Wrigleyville. 

1.    The Perfect Mortar Match

Before you call or visit a local masonry, remember to chip some mortar sample from the existing brick work. This step is to ensure that the mortar used during tuckpointing is just similar to the original one.

2.    Getting an Appropriate Depth

At times when the mortar will be chiseled away, make sure that the solid areas don’t get removed. Just carve the mortar to a depth of about 1 inch. Anything done deeper than that can cause vulnerability and even handicap the structural strength.

3.    Establish Multiple Tuckpointing Layers

To ensure that tuckpointing is complete with an appropriate finish, always complete the work in multiple tuckpointing layers. As recommended by professionals, applying thin layers with this procedure guarantees a long lasting finish.

4.    Work On Smaller Sections

Because of the complicated procedure, tuckpointing process will produce tones of degraded mortar. However, if the technique is concentrated to smaller sections of mortar, the mortar produce will significantly be lesser and the work will conclude with a cleaner end.

5.    Clean Brick Faces

Even after adequate safety measures, brick faces can show prominent marks of recent mortar works. Therefore, it’s suggested to clean the strains on brick faces with a solution of muriatic acid and water in ratio of 1:10 respectively.