Drafts, moisture and insects can find their way into your home if the mortar is not maintained in good condition. Tuckpointing is a method of restoring deteriorated mortar between masonry units. Once the old mortar is removed mechanically or by hand, the new mortar, which must be carefully mixed so that it achieves similar chemical and structural properties as the old mortar, is positioned into the joint and then the joint is tooled.

In the early 1900’s, tuckpointing was popular as the placement of white lines around bricks to give a more pleasant exterior, but it now seems to be making a comeback. These days there is more of a restoration process involved. The work is carried out by an experienced tradesman.

Deterioration of the mortar can be caused by excessive moisture that can freeze repeatedly. This will result in spalling of the mortar and brick. Some sources of moisture include lintels, sills, and leaks in flashing and gutters. Uneven settlement in a building's foundation may also occur resulting in cracking. In addition, erosion from water, wind, and pollution can cause weakening of the mortar.

When done properly, tuckpointing provides a strong, waterproof mortar joint that matches the appearance of the original mortar joints, enhances the beauty of the structure and helps extend the commercial life of the building for years to come.