Tuckpointing & Repointing Services

What Is Tuckpointing and Why Does It Matter?

Tuckpointing and repointing are terms that often get used interchangeably, but they describe slightly different processes. Both involve removing old, damaged mortar from between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. The difference is mostly in technique. Repointing simply means refilling the joints. Tuckpointing involves creating a thin contrasting line that makes the joints look perfectly straight and precise.

Here is why this work matters so much. Mortar is softer than brick by design. It sacrifices itself to protect the brick from stress and moisture. Over time, weather and age break down mortar joints. They crack, crumble, and fall out. When that happens, water gets behind your brick and causes serious damage. Foundation problems, interior water damage, and structural issues can all result from neglected mortar joints.

In Ontario, CA, the combination of hot summers, occasional rain, and seismic activity puts extra stress on mortar joints. Regular tuckpointing maintenance keeps your masonry strong and prevents expensive repairs down the road. At OT Ontario Masonry, we have restored thousands of feet of mortar joints throughout the area. We know the local brick styles, the right mortar mixes, and the techniques that make repairs last.

Signs Your Masonry Needs Tuckpointing

Many homeowners do not notice mortar problems until they become severe. Here are the warning signs that your property needs tuckpointing or repointing:

Crumbling or Missing Mortar

This is the most obvious sign. If you can poke the mortar with your finger and it crumbles, or if chunks are falling out, you need repointing. The mortar should be harder than the brick. When it becomes soft and sandy, it has reached the end of its life.

Cracks in Mortar Joints

Small hairline cracks might seem harmless, but they let water in. Water expands when it freezes, widening the cracks and accelerating damage. If you see cracks in your mortar joints, address them before they become gaps.

Water Stains or Efflorescence

White, chalky deposits on your brick mean water is moving through the wall. This efflorescence indicates that mortar joints are no longer keeping water out. Water intrusion can damage your interior walls, insulation, and framing if left unchecked.

Gaps Between Brick and Mortar

When mortar shrinks away from the brick, it creates gaps. These gaps act like gutters, channeling water into your wall structure. Even small gaps need attention because they will only get bigger over time.

Interior Water Damage

If you notice water stains on interior walls near exterior brick, failed mortar joints might be the culprit. Water gets in through damaged joints and travels through the wall cavity until it shows up inside your home.

Our Tuckpointing Process

Quality tuckpointing requires skill, proper tools, and attention to detail. We do not take shortcuts. Here is how we approach every tuckpointing project:

• Thorough inspection to identify all damaged joints
• Careful removal of old mortar to proper depth without damaging brick
• Custom mortar mixing to match your existing color and texture
• Proper moisture content for optimal bonding
• Precise application using traditional pointing tools
• Appropriate tooling to match your wall's original profile
• Proper curing time and moisture protection
• Complete cleanup and final inspection

The mortar depth matters more than most people realize. We remove old mortar to a depth of at least three quarters of an inch. This gives the new mortar enough surface area to bond properly. Shallow repointing fails quickly because it does not have enough grip.

Mortar matching is both science and art. We analyze your existing mortar and create a custom mix that matches in color, texture, and strength. Using mortar that is too hard can actually damage older brick. We adjust the mix based on the age and type of your masonry. For historic buildings, we often use lime-based mortars that match the original materials.

Our masons have years of experience in proper tooling techniques. The way we finish the joint affects both appearance and performance. We match the original joint profile, whether that is concave, flush, weathered, or another style. Proper tooling compacts the mortar and creates a water-resistant surface.

Frequently Asked Questions