Tuckpointing Pro

As the country’s oldest buildings continue to age, a whole new light has been shed upon the field of historical masonry restoration.  The same processes and materials used over 200 years ago can be simulated and therefore preserve historical structures by the high quality masons!  It is possible to match mortar from the early 1800’s in composition, color and texture to make small non intrusive repairs without compromising the historical value.

Tuck pointing is the process of removing old mortar from in between brick or other masonry units and replacing it.  The mortar in joints of buildings, walls, steps, and walk ways will deteriorate as it is exposed to moisture, weather and many other variables.  As this occurs, the masonry units need to be repaired and the mortar requires being tucked and pointed.  Often, in an effort to preserve the historical integrity of the brick and building, this process is done entirely by hand with a chisel, hammer, trowel and other historically approved tools.  It is imperative to use experienced masons who are familiar with all aspects of historical stone restoration.  Irreversible damage can occur costing

The process of tuck pointing begins with removing the loose mortar between the bricks to a specified depth (typically ½’-1”).  This space is then filled with new mortar by pressing it in between the bricks and “pointing” the mortar to the desired finish.  During the pointing process it is important to repair or replace any deteriorated masonry units.

Having expert craftsman, like the technicians at Rose Restoration is a must for any type of historical masonry restoration.  For over 30 years, Rose Restoration has been providing stone restoration services to historical hotels, government buildings, historical institutions and national museums. If you have the need for tuck pointing services, contact Rose Restoration today.  Please call Hunter Dasch at (800) 413-9893 for additional information.

The old fashioned way of finishing bricks, tuckpointing, is making a comeback.  To tuckpoint, means to point masonry with a flush mortar joint that matches the color of the masonry units, often bricks, and to apply a mortar of contrasting color that is shaped into a thin strip.

This method of securing bricks to one another was developed in the nineteenth century in an effort to imitate brickwork that was constructed using hand cut bricks.  Over time, the mortar in joints of buildings, walls, steps, and walk ways will deteriorate.  When this occurs, the structure needs to be tuckpointed.

The process of tuckpointing begins with scraping the loose mortar between the bricks to a depth of approximately a half an inch.  The old mortar is then slightly dampened, and then the space is filled with new mortar by pressing it in between the bricks. 

Tuckpointing requires special tools for handling the mortar, such as a hawk and a pointing trowel.  Historical societies that want to preserve the integrity of masonry, may require you to use such tools, as opposed to machines like drills. 

Having an expert craftsman, like the artisans at Rose Restoration Int’l, Inc., is critical in knowing how delicate this process can and should be.  For over 30 years, Rose Restoration has been providing stone restoration services to historical hotels, government buildings and national musems.  If you have the need for tuckpointing services, contact Rose Restoration today.

About the Author: Richard Dasch is the President & Founder of Rose Restoration . For 30 years, Rose Restoration has performed professional tuckpointing for some of the nations finest hotels, both modern and historical. Your decision to choose Rose Restoration can be made with confidence. Our attention to detail and safety, and protection of your assets is what sets us apart from our competition.