Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is the process of replacing deteriorated mortar between masonry units. Once the old mortar is removed, fresh mortar is placed into the joint and then the joint is tooled.

Tuckpointing, however, is only the most common of three terms often used interchangeably in the United States and Canada to describe the complete process of restoring older masonry joints. The other two are repointing and pointing.

In tuckpointing it is important to know the age of the building. Older mortars without portland cement are weaker than modern mortars, and have far less compressive strength. A stronger repointing mortar will deform less under load than a weaker older mortar. This can concentrate the load in the area of the stronger mortar can lead to spalling of the masonry units.

When properly done, tuckpointing provides a strong, waterproof mortar joint that matches the apprearance of the original mortar joints, and helps extend the commercial life of the building.