Tuckpointing & Repointing Services

The mortar between your bricks does more than fill gaps. It creates a weathertight seal that keeps water out of your walls. When mortar deteriorates, water seeps behind your bricks, causing damage that spreads quickly. Tuckpointing and repointing address this problem by removing failed mortar and replacing it with fresh material that protects your masonry for decades.

Many homeowners use these terms interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings. Repointing describes the process of removing old mortar and filling joints with new mortar. Tuckpointing is a specific repointing technique where we use two colors of mortar to create fine lines that make joints appear smaller. Both processes restore your masonry's weatherproofing and structural strength.

At CDM Concord Masonry, we perform both services expertly. We analyze your existing mortar to match its composition and color. This matters because using mortar that is too hard can damage softer historic bricks. We grind out old mortar to the proper depth without harming the bricks. We pack new mortar firmly to eliminate voids where water could collect.

Knowing when to schedule tuckpointing saves you money and prevents serious damage. Here are the warning signs that tell you it's time to call us:

Crumbling or Missing Mortar

When you can poke your finger into mortar joints or see gaps where mortar has fallen out, water is already getting behind your bricks. This damage accelerates quickly, especially during winter when freeze-thaw cycles break down weakened mortar even faster.

Cracks in Mortar Joints

Hairline cracks grow into larger gaps that let in moisture. Early intervention with professional repointing stops this progression before it affects the bricks themselves. Our brick repair services can address any brick damage that has already occurred.

• White powder or staining on brick faces from mineral deposits
• Interior dampness or water stains on walls
• Loose or shifting bricks indicating failed mortar support
• Visible gaps between bricks and mortar
• Mortar that crumbles when you scrape it with a tool
• Age over 25 years since the last repointing

Quality tuckpointing requires skill, proper tools, and attention to detail. We follow a proven process that ensures lasting results:

Assessment and Planning

We start by examining your masonry to determine the extent of work needed. We test the existing mortar's hardness and composition. We identify any underlying issues like water infiltration or structural movement that needs addressing before we repoint. This thorough assessment prevents wasted effort on mortar that will just fail again.

Mortar Removal

We carefully grind out deteriorated mortar to a depth of at least three-quarters of an inch. This depth gives the new mortar enough surface area to bond properly. We use specialized grinders that remove mortar without damaging brick edges. Hand tools handle delicate areas where power tools might cause problems.

New Mortar Application

After cleaning out dust and debris, we pack fresh mortar into the joints using proper techniques. We tool the joints to match your existing profile, whether that is flush, concave, or another style. The mortar needs proper curing time, so we protect the work from rain and extreme temperatures during the first few days.

Color matching deserves special attention. We bring samples to compare against your existing mortar in natural light. We can add pigments to match unusual colors found in historic buildings. The goal is invisible repairs where new mortar blends seamlessly with the old.