Investing in Tuckpointing & Brick Replacement Will Lengthen the Life of Your Chimney
The bricks that make up your masonry chimney are known for their strength and longevity, and if properly maintained and professionally waterproofed, they can easily last a lifetime. The mortar surrounding them isn’t quite as reliable, though. In ideal conditions, it will last a couple of decades, but most will require some work before that. And if your mortar starts to crumble, your bricks are sure to suffer, too.
Which is why, if you notice any crumbling or decay, you’ll want to call in an expert right away to perform tuckpointing services.
What Is Tuckpointing? Why Is It Necessary?
Tuckpointing is a cost-effective mortar repair option that involves removing the old, crumbling mortar and replacing it with new materials. Here’s a look into our process:
- Remove damaged/deteriorated mortar to a uniform depth.
- Clean joint by brushing away debris and dust.
- The mortar is replaced, matching the original color and texture as closely as possible.
- Once the mortar has been placed within, the joint is properly struck.
And if tuckpointing isn’t completed? Then your mortar will simply continue to deteriorate, which will lead to extensive masonry damage and make your system more vulnerable to leaks. You may even eventually experience a settlement or collapse, which means you won’t only be investing in big and expensive chimney repairs, but home repairs, as well.
Tuckpointing is definitely the more cost-effective (and less stressful) route. Just remember that not all brick masons in your area have the expertise to get the job done correctly. If a company is saying they can repair your masonry by coating the bricks and mortar on your chimney or wall, they’re not acting with your best interests in mind, as this will only offer a temporary and less effective fix.
Not to mention, the new mortar needs to not only match in color, but in composition, and this isn’t always easily achieved – especially if you have an older chimney. Subpar attempts by someone inexperienced can affect the structural integrity of your system, leaving you more vulnerable to damage, and there’s a good chance your aesthetics will be affected, too. Trust a pro from the start for the best results possible.
Are You Missing Bricks?
If your bricks are damaged or missing, we can help with that, too. We have more than 40 years of experience fixing brick and mortar, and as with your mortar, we’re confident that we can match new bricks to old, no problem. Once we’re through, your system will be looking great and standing stronger, allowing you peace of mind when operating your fireplace in the seasons ahead.
Give Our Specialists a Call
Give us a call today at 901-443-1036 with questions or schedule your visit online. We’d love to hear from you!
We can handle firebox repairs and rebuilds, so you never have to worry about the dependability of this chimney and fireplace repair.