Tuckpointing & Repointing Services

What Tuckpointing and Repointing Really Mean

Most people use these terms interchangeably, but they are slightly different. Repointing means removing old, damaged mortar from between your bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. Tuckpointing is a specific repointing technique where we use two colors of mortar to create clean, precise lines that make your brickwork look sharp and well maintained.

The mortar between your bricks does more than hold them together. It creates a weather barrier that keeps water out of your walls. When mortar starts cracking and falling out, water seeps behind your bricks. That water causes bigger problems like mold, interior damage, and even structural issues. Here in Eugene, OR, our wet climate makes good mortar joints especially important.

Old mortar breaks down over time. Temperature changes, moisture, and age all take their toll. Most mortar needs repointing every 25 to 30 years, though some lasts longer. The key is catching deterioration early before water gets behind your bricks and causes expensive damage.

How We Handle Tuckpointing and Repointing

Quality tuckpointing and repointing takes skill and the right approach. We do not rush the process because shortcuts lead to failures down the road. Here is how we do it right.

First, we carefully remove the old mortar using specialized grinders and hand tools. The key is grinding to the right depth, usually about three quarters of an inch to one inch deep. Going too shallow means the new mortar will not bond properly. Going too deep risks damaging the bricks. We work carefully to create a clean channel that gives the new mortar plenty of surface to grip.

Next comes mortar matching and mixing. Your new mortar should match the strength and color of the original. For historic homes, we use lime-based mortars that match what was originally used. For newer construction, we select the appropriate mortar type based on your brick hardness. Color matching involves testing samples against your existing mortar to get it right. A good match means your repointing blends in perfectly.

The actual repointing involves packing fresh mortar tightly into the joints. We work in stages, letting each section set up properly before moving on. The mortar gets tooled to match your existing joint profile, whether that is concave, flush, or another style. Proper tooling creates joints that shed water and look professional. Similar techniques apply to chimney repair work where mortar joints need special attention.

Finally, we cure the new mortar properly. That means keeping it damp for several days so it gains full strength. We clean your brickwork thoroughly, removing any mortar smears or dust. The finished result should look like the mortar was always there, not like a patch job. Most tuckpointing and repointing projects take several days to complete, depending on the size of the area.