How to Tuckpoint Mortar Joints in Bricks

How To Tuckpoint

Last month we told you a few fun facts about tuckpointing. As a reminder, tuckpointing is the technique used to repair the damaged mortar and refill the joints between bricks. Although we strongly recommend hiring a professional to complete this precise and labor-intensive repair, it is possible to do it yourself. In this article we’ve broken the process down into 6 easy steps for you to try!

1. What You’ll Need

Set aside 3 hours and grab the following:

  • Eye protection
  • Cold chisel
  • Hammer
  • Stiff-bristle brush
  • Bucket
  • Masonry trowel
  • Mortar hawk
  • Tuck pointer
  • Jointing tool
  • Mortar mix

2. Remove the Loose Mortar

Using a cold chisel and hammer, remove the deteriorated mortar that you are replacing. Be sure to place the chisel at the edge of the brick and dig towards the center of the mortar joint, not towards the brick. The old mortar should be removed to a depth of around 3/4 an inch.

3. Prepare the Joints

Using a stiff bristle brush, sweep away the loose dust and mortar from the joints. You may also wet the joints by dipping the brush into a bucket of water and scrubbing into the joints.

4. Mix the Mortar

Time to mix the mortar using a bucket and masonry trowel! Be sure to use clean water and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The finished product should have the same consistency as pudding. You can add a cement dye if matching the color of the existing mortar or a liquid latex binder to reduce the risk of cracking. 

5. Pack the Joints

Begin with the horizontal joints first, then move on to the vertical ones. Hold a mortar hawk or 12″ square of plywood against the brick and under the joint to be filled, then slide mortar into the open joint with a tuck pointer. The end result should be neatly packed and flush with the brick. 

6. Tool the Joints & Cure the Job

When the mortar is stiff enough, strike the joints with a matching jointing tool. Once again beginning with the horizontal joints and following with the vertical ones. The mortar is ready when your thumb leaves a slight impression when pressed into the material. After 30 minutes you can brush the joints to remove loose or spilled mortar. Be sure to lightly spray the repair area with water to slow the curing process; misting for the next 3 days or as directed by the mortar manufacturer.

Contact us




    Holly Bowman XO
    Holly Bowman XO
    Read More
    Brian and the Cummins Restoration team did an incredible job tuckpointing the house. Brian fully understood what was needed and wanted and not only was he professional and efficient, but he was a pleasure to work with. I would recommend Cummins Restoration over and over again. Thanks Brian!
    Gina Donnelly
    Gina Donnelly
    Read More
    Tuck pointing and threshold repair. Did a great job for a fair price compared to other companies. It's been a few months and you can barely tell where the mortar repair was done.
    M.B Toronto
    M.B Toronto
    Read More
    You guys did a terrific job on the tuckpointing, I’d have no problem recommending you to anyone. The front of my house just looks so much better

    Contact us




      Holly Bowman XO
      Holly Bowman XO
      Read More
      Brian and the Cummins Restoration team did an incredible job tuckpointing the house. Brian fully understood what was needed and wanted and not only was he professional and efficient, but he was a pleasure to work with. I would recommend Cummins Restoration over and over again. Thanks Brian!
      Gina Donnelly
      Gina Donnelly
      Read More
      Tuck pointing and threshold repair. Did a great job for a fair price compared to other companies. It's been a few months and you can barely tell where the mortar repair was done.
      M.B Toronto
      M.B Toronto
      Read More
      You guys did a terrific job on the tuckpointing, I’d have no problem recommending you to anyone. The front of my house just looks so much better