(313) 885-8525

 Brick can last for hundreds of years. But mortar—the material  between bricks doesn't last this long. Softer than brick, mortar is the weakest part of the system and will deteriorate to the point of repair after 25 to 30 years. Poor conditions accelerate the decay including the harsh Michigan winters, where the cold and ice constantly cause the mortar joints to freeze and expand. 

 Tuck Pointing is a process where the deteriorating mortar is ground out with a grinder and then filled with fresh mortar (tuck pointing) that closely matches existing mortar. This process helps to ensure a watertight seal preventing further damage that could turn into costly brick projects,etc. Tuck pointing also improves the cosmetic appeal of the home while protecting your investment. 

 Tuck pointing mortar should be done about every 25 to 30 years, or sooner on an as-needed basis.  Conditions that warrant tuck pointing include:

• Mortar has eroded more than 1/4-inch
• Mortar crumbling from the joints
• Significant voids in the mortar
• Hairline cracks in the mortar
• Cracks between the brick and mortar
• Vines growing through the bricks or mortar
• Shifting and settling around the house 
• Step cracks 
• Holes
• Excessive bolts n the mortar 

PROPERTY VALUE

Re-sale value of homes suffer when they are in need of repair. Well-maintained brick work and exterior walls reassures potential buyers that they will have no surprises around the corner should they buy your home. If you keep the exterior masonry in good condition, not only does it prevent more costly exterior masonry repairs, it also prevents unnecessary interior damage. With the exterior masonry walls of your home water tight, protected and in good condition , you can maximize the sales price of your home.

CURB APPEAL

When Tuck pointing is done correctly with matching mortar keeping with the historic nature of your home and neighborhood, it will increase your home's curb appeal. It's important to hire a company that specializes in color matching to ensure curb appeal. This should not involve mortar that stands out leaving your home looking like a checkerboard when your tuck pointing project is complete.

LEAK PREVENTION

A more immediate benefit comes from protecting your home from leaks by eliminating cracks and holes in the mortar that allow water penetration. This alone can save untold dollars to repair interior damage. Once a leak starts, a heavy storm can wreak havoc on your ceiling and walls etc.

PREVENTION OF A TOTAL BRICK WALL REBUILD

Finally, left to decay without repair, your exterior brick walls will eventually need costly brick repair or to be completely re-built. The time, cost, and effort involved far outpaces the cost of preventive maintenance. Tuck pointing and preserving your brick work can save you future headaches and expensive repair bills.

• What is tuck pointing? Tuck Pointing is the process of grinding out old, cracked, crumbling or deteriorating mortar joints between the bricks and filling the open joints with new mortar.
• How much does tuck pointing cost? The cost of the process depends on a variety of factors: The size of your home, the need for scaffolding or ladders, the extent of the damage, etc. We offer free estimates on all tuck pointing bids!
• What happens if you don't do tuck pointing? If you don't do tuck pointing, water will begin to enter the wall between the bricks. Water infiltration will speed up the decay of the mortar and brick. If you keep the exterior masonry in good condition, not only does it prevent more costly exterior masonry repairs, it also prevents unnecessary interior damage. If your mortar joints are left to decay without repair, your exterior brick walls will eventually need costly brick repair or to be completely re-built. With the exterior masonry walls of your home water tight, protected and in good condition the interior and exterior of your home will be properly protected. 
• How often should tuck pointing be done? Tuck pointing should be done every 25 to 30 years or when the brick mortar is crumbling or cracking.

Some of this information is referenced from an article published by Forbes Home:

Source: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/home/tuck-pointing-cost/

 Published: Jul 20, 2022, 1:00pm, By Kristi Waterworth & Lowe Saddler