Bricks give such a lovely effect on buildings and houses. On chimneys, they add even more of the old-world appeal that can increase property value. But while bricks can guarantee longer lifespan than most materials, as long as a century even, there are other materials in the structure that could affect its quality and longevity — particularly, the mortar joints.
What is Tuckpointing?
Exterior walls and masonry chimneys will be exposed to all kinds of harsh elements. This also means that the structures will be prone to damages. Mortar joints can give way due to excessive moisture. When this happens, the moisture could end up weakening the structure as well as lead to waterproofing issues. Tuckpointing, Chicago property owners should know, is the repair process that prevents the destruction or deterioration of mortars in bricks. The process may also apply to stonework and blocks.
Tuckpointing uses two contrasting colors of mortar in brickwork, which can have a very enhancing effect on properties. The intensive and precise process is usually done every 20 years as this ensures that mortar deterioration does not put the structure at risk. The repair process is not only intended for older structures, though, because it also works for newer buildings where the mortar has been damaged and needs replacement.
The Benefits of Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing can maintain the longevity of your properties by removing aging and damaged mortar joints. This prevents further corrosion from leading to structural instability. As mentioned early on, tuckpointing can also stop water from entering your buildings. This certainly solves subsequent issues from water damage: mold, mildew, and rot.
By using this precise repair process for your building, you are sure to save money on an expensive construction job. A demo and rebuild job would most likely cost you more money than getting the mortar joints replaced. In addition to securing the longevity of your property and avoiding costly construction work, tuckpointing also restores or improves the beauty of your property. With a handsome looking building, in spite of its age, you will be able to maintain or even increase the value of your property.
Remember, though, to hire only professional tuckpointers. The process of removing deteriorating mortar joints is not as simple as you would think. This delicate job requires the skills and experience of a tuckpointer, especially when the building in question is an historic structure and requires careful restoration. A professional tuckpointer will guarantee that the job is done right, preventing further work on the building.
Bear in mind that experts will have the right knowledge and skill to perform the task properly and cost-efficiently. Apart from that, they have the right equipment or tools to complete the job on time. With that said, you are assured that the task or project will be done as you would want it to be. Thus, it is highly emphasized that experts must only be the one to carry out exterior maintenance and repairs.
About the author: Oliver Finney is an enthusiast of the real estate industry who loves to continuously learn and share knowledge as well about the vast and comprehensive world of the real estate business, off and online. He visits sites like http://soumar.com/. He shares his insights through writing.
My wife and I just bought a house with a lot of brick on the exterior. It’s an older home, so a large portion of the mortar looks like it’s in poor condition. We were wondering how to get this fixed, so the information here was perfect! We will definitely look into hiring someone who can do some tuckpointing for us!
The bricks on the outside of my home are totally falling apart right now. It’s good to know that tuckpointing can really help my case. I’m going to follow your tip about ensuring the this process is done every twenty years. That should ensure that the bricks look as nice as possible.
I had never heard of tuckpointing until my brother-in-law mentioned needing to have it done for his home. However, it is fascinating to learn that it is used o remove damaged mortar from joints. That must be incredibly helpful for restoring some of the more damaged areas of your home.