Tuckpointing and Repointing
Mortar is the part of a brick wall designed to wear out first. When joints crumble or recess, water gets in. We grind out the failed mortar, refill with matching mortar and tool the joints, which restores strength and appearance.
- MethodGrind out, clean and refill
- MortarMatched to the brick and the era
- DepthCut deep enough to bond
- FinishTooled to the original joint style
What is included
- 1Mortar that matchesOld soft brick needs softer mortar than new hard brick. We match the strength and the color.
- 2Cut to the right depthJoints are removed deep enough for the new mortar to bond and last.
- 3Dust under controlGrinders run with vacuum attachments where the site allows, so the job stays tidy.
- 4Joints that look originalProfiles are tooled to match the original style, so the wall looks renewed, not patched.
From your first call to the final cleanup
We lay, repair and restore brick, stone and block in cities across the country. Find yours below and set up a walk-through.
- 1We walk the siteWe look at the wall, yard or roofline together, talk through the look you want and note what is already there.
- 2We set the layoutLines, levels and measurements are marked first, so every course starts straight and the finished work sits true.
- 3We build course by courseUnits are set on a full bed of mortar, checked with level and line, and the joints are struck as we go.
- 4We finish and clean upJoints are tooled, surfaces are cleaned and the site is left tidy, with a walk-through at the end.
Is this the right choice for your project?
- Joints that are crumbling or recessed
- Walls with sand-like mortar on the ground
- Brick where water gets in
- Homes that need a crisp, renewed face
What makes a brick wall last
- The bedEvery brick sits in a full bed of mortar with filled joints, so water has nowhere to hide.
- The lineCourses are held to a string and a level, so the wall is straight and the load is even.
- The water pathFlashing, weeps and caps send water out and away from the structure.
Common questions
What is the difference between tuckpointing and repointing?
The words overlap. Repointing means renewing the mortar joints. Tuckpointing traditionally adds a thin contrasting line on top for a crisp look. We explain what fits your wall.
How do I know my mortar is failing?
Look for joints that are recessed, cracked, sandy or missing, and for brick edges that are exposed to the weather.
Can I repoint only the worst areas?
Often yes, but we compare the whole wall so spots that are close to failing get treated at the same time.
Services that pair with this one
Brick RepairCracked, loose and missing bricks replaced and blended so the wall is whole again.See the service Brick
Brick RestorationTired, stained or damaged brickwork brought back to a sound and handsome condition.See the service Brick
Brick CleaningSoot, algae, mortar haze and old stains lifted from brick without harsh damage.See the service Find your city
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Ready to build something that lasts?
Call or text Brick Illusions, or send the form, and we will set up a walk-through. Tell us about your wall, chimney or yard and what you would like it to become.