TUCKPOINT BRICK WORK MASONRY

Tuckpoint Brick Masonry Work

Tuck-pointing and repointing are two terms used interchangeably – but they’re not synonymous. This has created some confusion in the industry. Both tuckpointing and repointing involve adding new mortar joints to a brick structure, each is slightly different. If your chimney, wall, or any masonry structure has mortar damage it needs to be repaired… so do you tuck point or repoint?

Repointing and tuckpointing involve digging out mortar joints to a certain depth and then refilling them with new mortar. Repointing is the actual process of removing damaged mortar joints and renewing them. Tuckpointing is similar in that it involves filling in pre-cleaned mortar joints, but it isn’t always done for damage control. Tuckpointing is a style used for pointing that includes the use of two different colors of mortar in order to alter the appearance of mortar joints.

About Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing includes using two different colors of mortar to fill in mortar joints of brickwork. One of the two colors used for tuckpointing is made to match the actual bricks so that it blends in and creates a seamless appearance. The second color is different, and is used for the actual appearance of mortar joints. By sandwiching the alternate color between the brick-colored mortars it creates the illusion that mortar joints are very fine as opposed to thick.

The method for tuckpointing was invented in England near the late eighteenth century. It was derived in order to imitate the appearance of rubbed brick, a more expensive building material that quickly gained popularity during this time. Homeowners looking to copy the appearance of high-end rubbed bricks turned to tuckpointing as a way to achieve the appearance without spending as much money. The true definition of tuckpointing is used far less often today, although it is not completely forgotten and remains interconnected with the modern day process of repointing.

About Repointing

Repointing is the actual process of filling in or repairing joints on brickwork that are damaged, cracked or crumbled. The mortar joints are incredibly important, as they help support the entire structure. When mortar joints become impacted by damage it is very easy for water and other elements to seep in. Eventually, these exposures lead to the destruction of a masonry structure. In order to prevent further damage, repointing is conducted to reseal mortar joints.

Your kitchen can be constructed using wood or steel framing, masonry block, brick or stone. Brick and stone can serve as both structure and finish sides, while masonry block and steel or wood framing will require finishing on the sides. Steel/wood framing results in more interior space which eases installation of drawers, shelves and other under counter items.

Regardless of the construction materials you choose, the planning, design and the building steps are similar. Whether you do the work or you use a licensed contractor, be sure to adhere to applicable building codes and in particular, be sure to follow the manufacturer instructions for the masonry and plumbing/piping products you install.

Call our expert masons today at 631-520-8356 and we will help you with your bricks problems!