Are Brick Tuckpointing And Brick Repointing The Same Thing_

1. Are Brick Tuckpointing And Brick Repointing The Same Thing?

2. While the terms ‘tuckpointing’ and ‘repointing’ are often used to mean the same thing, they are in fact, not the same thing. It’s true that both techniques involve a masonry contractor adding new mortar to the joints in a structure made of bricks, the methods are slightly different. So, how can you tell whether your wall or chimney, for example, needs to be tuckpointed, or repointed? Tuckpointing and repointing: what’s the difference? Repointing is when mortar joints that are damaged are removed and renewed, while tuckpointing follows a similar process, it is often for aesthetic purposes rather than damage limitation.

3. Let’s look at each one in a little more detail: Tuckpointing explained Involving the use of more than one different color of mortar when filling in brickwork joints – one of which matches the existing bricks to blend in, while the other creates a contrast – tuckpointing can create the illusion of fine mortar joints, instead of thicker ones. Invented as a method by early builders in late eighteenth century England, tuckpointing was supposed to look like rubbed brick, which was a more costly, but popular construction material at this time. While this original purpose has largely been forgotten, the method itself remains a popular one.

4. Repointing explained When brickwork mortar joints that have been damaged in some way, are filled in or repaired, this is known as repointing. It’s incredibly important for a structures integrity that any damaged, cracked or crumbling mortar joints are repaired swiftly and professionally through repointing, as if they’re not, water can begin to seep in and cause even more damage to the building.

5. What causes mortar to deteriorate? While stone and brick are exceptionally hardy construction materials, the mortar joints of any building can start to deteriorate after around 20 to 30 years, and earlier depending on the type of building, where it’s situated and what it’s exposed to. What can happen if you fail to have mortar joints repaired? Cracked, crumbling or damaged mortar joints in brickwork are a clear sign that brick pointing is required, and if not treated quickly, the longevity of the entire building could be at risk, and in extreme circumstances, may even collapse.

6. Fortunately, it’s usually the case that only certain parts of a structure require brick pointing, but you must hire an experienced masonry contractor to ensure that the new mortar closely matches the original mortar. How to tell if your home requires brick pointing If your home was constructed more than 20 years ago, there’s a strong possibility that brick pointing may be required for at least some parts of it, and here are some of the most common signs to look out for:

7. Mortar has eroded by more than 6mm Mortar has begun to crumble You can see hairline cracks appearing You can see gaps between the bricks and the mortar ● ● ● ● Labor intensive, both tuckpointing and repointing may not always be necessary, especially if the damage to the mortar is severe. But if you act fast as soon as you see any signs of deterioration in the mortar of your home’s brickwork, you can limit the damage and prevent any walls or chimney’s from having to be reconstructed.

8. RZ Construction Group Inc is one of the best fully inclusive general and new construction contractors in Queens, NY. From initial design to final clean up, our results speak for themselves. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to provide both commercial and residential construction services to customers in Astoria and the surrounding area. We offer all kinds of services related to masonry and brick pointing in Queens NY. Proud to serve New York State for 25 years. No job is too small nor too big. If you are looking for brick pointing & masonry contractors in NYC or want to know more about our wide range of professional but affordable construction and repair services, reach out to us at (718) 938-9887.