Chimney Tuckpointing: when it's appropriate
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Mortar is the glue that holds brick together. The brick or stone elements of a chimney have a much longer lifespan than that of mortar, so mortar often shows signs of deterioration when the surrounding brick is still intact. If your chimney is otherwise sound (brick, concrete, etc), then tuckpointing may be all that is needed to restore your chimney's integrity.
The skill and experience of our CSIA-certified masons will ensure your tuckpointing project yields optimal results in terms of the integrity and appearance of your chimney. |
Restoring your chimney with tuckpointing
Deteriorated mortar joints are often the first sign of wear on a chimney. Compromised mortar can open the door to a host of other problems with your chimney and should not be left unaddressed. Tuckpointing (or repointing) is the process of grinding out the deteriorated mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar, thus restoring the integrity of your chimney.
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Deteriorating jointsWater inflicts great damage on a chimney, and the mortar joints are no exception. Since mortar is porous, small amounts of water can seep in and become trapped. The freeze-thaw cycle causes trapped moisture to expand and contract, leading to cracks and separation of the mortar from the brick. Over time this repeated process causes further deterioration, leading to bricks becoming loose and water penetrating the chimney structure.
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Out with the oldA diamond-blade saw is used to grind out the damaged mortar to a depth of about 3/4 inch, or until sound mortar is reached, using care and precision to ensure there is no damage to the surrounding brick. The joints are then rinsed out with water to remove residual dust and debris, leaving them damp for application of the new mortar.
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In with the newThe wet mortar is held on a trowel and, with gentle pressure, pushed into the joints with a tuckpointing tool. As the mortar dries, it bonds to the old mortar, creating a strong and durable joint. After the mortar has set, a shaping tool is used to render the joint concave, discouraging water penetration.
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A chimney restoredNewly restored joints provide the proper support and adhesion to the surrounding brick, adding years to the life of the chimney. To guard against erosion and water penetration, and to protect your investment, a waterproof sealant is applied to the entire chimney.
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Free estimate + consultChimney repair can be a major expense, and the quality of workmanship has a direct impact on your home's safety and value. We know you want to get it right. Our estimate + consult is designed to give you the tools you need to make an informed decision about your chimney repair project.
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