Although they refer to 2 different processes the terms tuckpointing and repointing are often used interchangeably. This perhaps because they both involve replacing mortar in brickwork. However the 2 processes use different approaches; one largely utilitarian the other utilitarian but with an aim that is more overtly cosmetic. Below we’ll take a closer look at both processes as well as what’s involved with each and when you might want or need to call for tuckpointing or repointing.

Repointing or Tuckpointing? Toronto Homeowners Need to Know

When the mortar between your brickwork breaks down you’ll need to have it repaired as quickly and effectively as possible. But do you need repointing or tuckpointing? Toronto brick repair experts Cummins Restorations explain the difference.

• Repointing – Mortar on brickwork, particularly older brickwork, tends to get brittle over time and either fall out or be forced out by the house settling, the freeze/thaw cycle of water that is trapped in tiny cracks or because of accident. Replacing it as quickly as possible is key to maintaining the integrity of your home’s brickwork and the safety of everyone inside. Repointing involves a straight up replacement of the damaged mortar. Any loose or otherwise compromised mortar is removed from between the bricks and a 1 for 1 replacement occurs with new mortar filling in the space. Repointing is without a doubt the simpler of the two methods and is extremely effective at repairing damage to your mortar.
• Tuckpointing – Where repointing and tuckpointing converge is that they both involve removing any loose or damage mortar. Where they diverge is in how they go about replacing it. With repointing the damaged mortar is replaced straight up with new mortar, typically white. With tuckpointing two different colour mortars are used with one being the colour of the brickwork itself and the other being (typically) white. Once the compromised mortar is removed the two different colour mortars are used to create the impression that the mortar joint itself is thinner than it actually is. That is, the coloured mortar is used to make the bricks look bigger than they are and the joint look narrower than it is. Tuckpointing evolved more than 200 years ago as a way to imitate the look of expensive “rubbed brick” that was all the rage in England at the time and which featured the thinner joint.

Do You Need Repointing or Tuckpointing?

The mortar in your brickwork will typically start to show signs of age and/or damage 2 to 3 decades after the house is built or the brickwork installed. Signs to look for that indicate your mortar needs some TLC include:

• Crumbling mortar
• Fine cracks in the mortar
• Space between the mortar and brick

If you believe you need brickwork or mortar repair call the company more Toronto homeowners trust than any other, Cummins Restorations. We’ll get someone out to look at your brickwork in a hurry, diagnose the problem and provide you an estimate for repointing, tuckpointing or any other procedure you may require. That’s Cummins Restorations for tuckpointing in Toronto on (416) 992-7965.