Does My Chimney Need Tuckpointing or Repointing?

A tradeoff for enjoying crackling winter fires in your fireplace is that occasional chimney repairs are essential. For anyone with a chimney, a good question to ask is, does my chimney need tuckpointing or repointing? The answer may very well be yes. That’s because a need for the replacement of deteriorating mortar is common, and that is the purpose of both of these particular types of masonry work.

Bricks tend to last for well over a century, but the lifespan of mortar is much shorter. Best case scenario is for mortar to last about 25 years. If you keep up with annual chimney inspections, you are more likely to need tuckpointing or repointing. The far more expensive alternative that may be required is a full or partial chimney rebuild. Read on to learn more details.

The Function of Mortar

Mortar is a bonding agent somewhat like concrete. It is applied between bricks and other types of building materials to create a solid mass structure. An important characteristic of mortar is that it is among the features of a chimney that helps to keep moisture out of the masonry system. Expiring masonry begins to flake and break off, allowing rain and other types of precipitation to seep into brickwork.

Preventing moisture intrusion is key! Once water enters a brick, it is destined to eventually go flat. What happens is that the water freezes and thaws inside the bricks in the wintertime. This causes the expansion and contraction of the water inside the affected bricks. Such movement irreversibly damages the masonry.

It is far easier on your wallet if you can take advantage of chimney tuckpointing or repointing services. The replacement of only the mortar is possible only if no moisture intrusion has occurred. Once water infiltrates the bricks, chimney masonry repair becomes necessary, whether a complete or partial chimney rebuild.

What is Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing is a procedure by which old mortar is removed and then replaced with fresh mortar. What sets it apart from repointing a chimney is that tuckpointing is also performed as a cosmetic or decorative procedure. Two colors of mortar joints are added after old mortar has been scraped out. A first step is that mortar is dyed to match the color of the surrounding brickwork. Then, to create an appearance of thin joints between bricks, a thin contrasting mortar joint is applied.

What is Repointing?

Repointing is virtually the same process as tuckpointing except that it is more of a utility repair without added aesthetics. Repointing is the most common type of masonry repair. However, as with tuckpointing, the procedure must be performed before moisture enters the chimney system.

Does My Chimney Need Tuckpointing or Repointing?

So, what is the answer to the question does my chimney need tuckpointing or repointing? Well, it could be viewed as sort of a trick question. Since both procedures provide mortar repair and replacement, which kind you get is a personal choice. Consult with your trusted chimney sweep company to determine whether:

• The aesthetics of your chimney could use the more involved tuckpointing procedure or
• Basic masonry repair via repointing is just as good a choice.

Contact Guardian Chimney Sweep for Tuckpointing and Repointing

Guardian Chimney Sweep offers the full range of chimney services to homeowners and business owners throughout the Houston and Conroe areas. Schedule an annual chimney inspection to make sure the question does my chimney need tuckpointing or repointing is a valid one.

Neglected chimneys are more likely to need masonry rebuild services as a result of moisture damage. Contact us for flashing repair, chimney cleaning, fireplace installation, chimney liner repair, flue liner replacement, and more. We stand behind our services with a satisfaction guarantee.
Fill out our contact form or call us at any of the following numbers today.

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