Tuckpointing

Repointing—or tuckpointing, as it’s commonly called in the US—is the process of precisely removing deteriorated mortar, replacing it with fresh mortar, and finishing the joint for a strong, seamless surface. Timely tuckpointing will keep the wall sealed and weatherproof, preventing costly repairs.

Timely Tuckpointing Keeps Masonry Sealed and Weatherproof

Mortar choice is critical. Since brick and mortar expand and contract at different rates, the strength of the mortar should not exceed the strength of the brick. If the mortar is too strong, it will exert pressure on the face of the brick and eventually cause the face to flake away, known as spalling.

The most effective mortars for Midwest tuckpointing applications are:

  • Type O – Low-strength (350 psi); best for interior walls, soft brick, historic restorations, and non-load-bearing applications.

  • Type N – Medium-strength (750 psi); ideal for general-purpose applications, including exterior brick walls, chimneys, and veneers.

  • Type S – High-strength (1,800 psi); designed for load-bearing walls, below-grade applications, and high-wind areas.

  • Type M – Very high-strength (2,500 psi); used for heavy-load structures like foundations and retaining walls.

Mortar Choice

Mortar color significantly affects the aesthetic appeal of masonry. Accurate color matching is especially important for spot tuckpointing, helping to minimize contrast between the repair and the surrounding masonry. Every tuckpointing project begins with selecting the closest color match from an established range, then refining it as needed to achieve the most precise color match. In historical restorations, the selected mortar type and color will be presented to the local heritage preservation commission for approval.

Color Matching

The joint profile (or strike) impacts both the appearance and weather resistance of the masonry. Traditional joint profiles include:

  • Flush–Common for smooth-faced stone and historic brick

  • Round/Barrel–Standard brick strike

  • Beaded–Found in historic stone masonry

  • Weather-Struck–Sheds water efficiently

  • Raked–Maintains a clean face on textured bricks

Joint Profile