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Tuckpointing a Chimney
Yes, brick is a hard and durable home construction material. However, the mortar that binds chimney bricks is not. It gets damaged by water or insects that tunnel into it. Brick chimneys are especially vulnerable to weather and water damage. The mortar in them eventually gets eroded. But this can be fixed through a method called tuckpointing repair.
Indicators that your chimney needs tuckpointing
How can you tell if it’s time to call a professional and have them replace your existing failing mortar? Don’t wait for your chimney to crumble. Look out for early signs of brick damage:
Flakes
If you see mortar flakes at the base of your chimney, then it’s about time you get the mortar replaced. Flaking is a sign that the mortar is unable to safely hold the chimney together. To confirm, test-scrape your chimney mortar and see if it easily comes off.
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Cracks
Do you see cracks and separated bricks? Cracks show up if the mortar is already weakening. This is a strong indication that your chimney’s structural integrity is compromised and needs a repointing brick or tuck point procedure.
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Discoloration
Another sign you should look out for is color mismatch. It’s a sign of deterioration and weathering. It could also be a result of a poor attempt at tuckpointing in the past. So if you see a color mismatch or if your chimney mortar is not the same color as it used to be, call the professionals.
Why is chimney tuckpointing important?
Not all things are meant to last. Your existing mortar will soon fail at holding your chimney bricks together. With this chimney repair procedure, you get the following benefits:
- Prolonged Lifespan
When done right, it will provide water-resistant mortar joints. You get to restore your masonry materials to their original condition. As a result, the life of your brick chimney gets extended.
- Structural Stability
Water seeps down your chimney if its mortar is already old. With cracks and flaking, your chimney will start leaning to one side. Tuckpointing upholds the structural integrity of your chimney with the installation of new mortar.
- Cost-Effective
With tuck pointing, you can prevent corrosion, weathering, and water leaks. You won’t have to spend money on major renovations. This is why chimney repair is more cost-effective than a complete renovation.
What is tuckpointing on a chimney?
Tuckpointing is the repair and replacement of old mortar between block, brick, or stone. As mentioned above, the soft mortar that binds chimney bricks is not so durable. Tuckpointing restores the masonry mortar joints between the bricks.
How to Tuckpoint a Chimney
Most chimneys will need tuckpointing at some point, and thankfully it’s relatively straightforward.
Mortar generally lasts about 25 years. That’s much longer than most people will own their homes, but much shorter than the average house lifespan. Over years, rain and wind slowly breakdown the mortar between bricks.
If it gets totally destroyed, or becomes too thin, it can result in bricks shifting and a weight imbalance in your chimney. So, at some point, one lucky homeowner is going to have to tuckpoint their chimney.
When tuckpointing will need to be done will depend on the roof layout, and how much contact a chimney has with water. Tuckpointing is the most affordable way for homeowners to protect their chimney mortar joints.
How Tuckpointing is Done
If you asked yourself how to tuckpoint a chimney. Well, on the most basic level, tuckpointing is the process whereby damaged mortar is removed and replaced with new mortar. The old mortar first needs to be routed out to make things look uniform. We suggest hiring a professional for all chimney work.
Benefits of Tuckpointing
A good tuckpoint job can extend the lifespan of a chimney by years or even decades. It stops the corrosion that ever mortar joint experiences from rain and sun exposure.
Good mortar joints also stop water from leaking into a chimney and soaking into bricks that could lead to even more damage. If enough moisture gets into the house, then ceilings, wooden beams, and drywall can get water damaged.
Tuckpointing is the perfect way to keep an old chimney working and looking great. A total replace and rebuild is a very costly proposition. Tuckpointing also improves the exterior of a house which will improve its market value.
Every homeowner should want to keep his or her home in top condition. Tuckpointing is a simple, straightforward procedure that has cosmetic and functional benefits. Remember, it’s ok to stretch yourself and take on projects that you’ve never done before.