How long Tuckpointing lasts: a guide for homeowners

Homeowners often pay for maintenance fees to keep their properties in pristine condition. Not only is it a hassle, but it can also be very costly. In requesting for home repairs and refurnishing, it is essential to know how long these services last. It is to provide you with an idea of how often you need to call for the assistance of local maintenance companies near you. For instance, houses built with bricks would require tuckpointing every 25-30 years. However, there are lots of factors that can affect how long tuckpointing lasts.



Tuckpointing is the method used to replace damaged or deteriorated mortar in between bricks. It provides the structure with a repurposed look, removing any signs of damage. Due to it being an extensive work, it usually requires the assistance of a professional. 

When to tuckpoint

Assess if your brick structures require tuckpointing by taking a look at the mortar in between the bricks. If there are cracks and holes in the mortar, this can be an indication of damage and would need repair. Another sign is if the mortar is crumbling, which signifies that it has already deteriorated. If you notice all of these signs, you should schedule a consultation with a masonry professional near your area. 

Factors affecting the condition of bricks and mortar

Weather 

High humidity increases the moisture concentration in an area, especially on bricks and around mortars. The porosity of bricks causes the moisture to enter through the surface, therefore causing damage.

It subsequently affects the brickwork structure and causes its deterioration. Areas like chimneys, garden walls, and patios are more prone to damage. It is because they are more exposed to the weather.  The UV rays and heat from the sun can also be other contributors to the damage of mortar joints. Extreme temperatures can also be a contributing factor. 

Faulty work

Some contractors fail to remove all of the deteriorated mortars before filling in new ones. It causes the brickwork to fail, therefore needing another repair. Another reason why tuckpointing doesn’t last long is due to the use of low-grade mortar materials or the possibility that the joints have voids. In requesting the assistance of masonry companies, make sure to check on reviews to check if they provide their clients with high-quality services. 

Unusual stress on the bricks

Too much weight applied on areas of the structure may cause the masonry walls to shift, thus causing damage to an area of the brickwork. Damage of mortar can also be caused by settling. It allows cracks to appear when there is a slight shift in the foundation of the structure. Settling can be due to a few situations like minor earthquakes or vibrations in the soil caused by heavy vehicles. 

Who can do it for me?

Tuckpointing requires an intricate work in replacing the damaged mortars in between the bricks. It is always recommended to call for the assistance of masonry professionals. They have the required experience and are precise in doing masonry works. 

Do-it-yourself tuckpointing is not advised as it may do more harm than good to the brick structures. An inexperienced person who does tuckpointing may unknowingly use the wrong material or may end up causing the mortar to crumble. If you decide to do tuckpointing without consulting any masonry professional, the cost of the materials like mortar is less than $1 per square foot. You can rent the tools needed for the work for $45 per day.

There are lots of companies that offer their masonry services like tuckpointing. Some of these companies are Chicago Brick Co. and Chicago Tuckpointing, Inc. The average cost of tuckpointing is around $3 to $6 per square foot. However, the price may vary due to factors like labor time, type of materials, accessibility of the structure, and the tools needed for the work.



Repair fees can be expensive when there is severe damage to the structures of your home. To prevent this from happening, masonry professionals suggest regular checking of your internal or external walls and chimneys for any sign of damage. You can make an appointment for a consultation with a masonry company near you.

When is it too late to do tuckpointing work?

When you notice there is a large area of loose and falling bricks or mortar, tuckpointing won’t be a solution anymore. You may need to reconstruct the structure by building a new one. It can be very costly as compared to tuckpointing for minor damages. You can prevent these expensive home repairs by regularly checking for signs of deterioration.