A Simple Guide to Brick Pointing (Tuckpointing)
This guide answers common questions about brick pointing in simple terms. It will help you understand what the work involves and how to hire a good contractor.
What is Brick Pointing?
1. What is brick pointing?
Brick pointing, also called tuckpointing or repointing, is the process of fixing the mortar between your bricks. Mortar is the cement stuff that holds the bricks together. Over time, it can crack and fall out. This work involves scraping out the old, bad mortar and putting in new, strong mortar to keep your wall solid and waterproof.
2. How do I know if I need it?
Look for these signs: the mortar is crumbly and you can scrape it out with a screwdriver, you see cracks or gaps between the bricks, or the mortar lines look deeply scooped out. If you see a white, powdery stain on the bricks or have leaks inside, that’s also a sign you should get it checked.
3.What’s the difference between tuckpointing and repointing?
For most projects, they mean the same thing. Technically, “repointing” means fixing the mortar. “Tuckpointing” is a special, fancy style where two colors of mortar are used to make a thin, decorative line. Most people use “tuckpointing” to talk about general repair work.
The Work and Materials
4. Can I do it myself?
For a small garden wall, maybe. For your house, it’s not recommended. It requires special tools and skill. If you use the wrong mortar, you can actually cause the bricks to crack. It’s also dangerous to work high up on ladders. It’s best to hire a professional to protect your home.
5. What are the steps?
A pro will: 1) Grind out the old, damaged mortar. 2) Clean out all the dust from the joints. 3) Mix new mortar to match the old one. 4) Press the new mortar firmly into the joints. 5) Shape the new mortar to look like the old lines. 6) Clean the bricks.
6. What type of mortar is used?
A good contractor will mix a special mortar to match your old one. Using modern, hard mortar on an old house can damage the soft, historic bricks. The right mortar is a little softer than the brick itself to prevent cracks.
7. Why does the mortar color need to match?
Matching the color is important for the look of your house. If it doesn’t match, the repair will be obvious and can look like a patchwork quilt. More importantly, the right type of mortar protects the bricks from damage.
Cost, Time, and Getting a Quote
8. How long will it take?
It depends on the size of your home. A small job like a chimney might take 2-3 days. A whole house can take 1-3 weeks. The weather can also affect the schedule, as workers can’t apply mortar in the rain or freezing cold.
9. Will the new mortar match the color?
Yes, a skilled mason will work hard to make it match. They will test small samples on your wall and let them dry to get the color just right. Remember, new mortar looks dark when wet but lightens up as it dries over a few weeks.
10. How much does it cost?
Cost varies a lot, but it’s often priced by square foot. You might pay between $8 and $25 per square foot. The total cost for a whole house can be anywhere from a few thousand to over $20,000. The only way to know for sure is to get a written estimate.
11. What changes the cost?
The cost depends on: how much brick needs work, how high up it is (scaffolding costs more), the type of mortar, and how detailed the brickwork is.
12. Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, a good company will always come to look at your home and give you a free, detailed written estimate before any work begins.
Hiring a Good Contractor
13. Are you licensed and insured?
This is very important. You must hire a contractor who is licensed and has both liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you and your property if anything goes wrong or a worker gets hurt.
14. Can I see examples of your past work?
A trustworthy contractor will be happy to show you photos of jobs they’ve done and may even give you phone numbers of past customers you can talk to. You should also check their online reviews.
15. Do you offer a warranty?
A good contractor will guarantee their workmanship, usually for 2 to 5 years. This means if the mortar cracks or falls out too soon, they will come back and fix it. Make sure you get this warranty in writing.
16. Is scaffolding included?
For any work above the first story, safe scaffolding is a must. A professional will use it, and the cost should be included in your quote. Be suspicious of a very low price, as it might mean they plan to use unsafe ladders.
After the Work is Done
17. How long will the repair last?
A professional brick pointing job is a long-term fix. If done correctly with the right materials, it should last between 25 and 50 years.
18. Will it be messy?
The grinding process does create dust. A professional crew will do their best to control it by putting up plastic sheeting and sometimes using water to keep the dust down. They should clean up well at the end of each day and when the job is finished.
19. What happens if I don’t fix it?
Ignoring bad mortar can lead to big problems. Water can get inside your walls, causing mold, rot, and damage to wood frames. In cold climates, the water can freeze and crack the bricks themselves. Worst of all, it can make the wall weak and unsafe.
20. Can you fix cracked bricks too?
Yes, most masonry contractors can repair or replace damaged bricks at the same time. They can take out a cracked brick and put in a new one, or use a special patch for smaller chips. It’s easiest to do this during the repointing project.
