Tuckpointing & Repointing Services

What is Tuckpointing and Why Does It Matter?

Tuckpointing is the process of removing old, damaged mortar from between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. Over time, weather, moisture, and settling cause mortar to crack and crumble. When that happens, water seeps into your walls, bricks start to shift, and structural problems begin. Tuckpointing stops this process before it turns into a costly repair.

Many people use the terms tuckpointing and repointing interchangeably, and for most practical purposes, they mean the same thing. Both involve cutting out old mortar and filling the joints with new material. The difference is mostly historical. Traditional tuckpointing includes a decorative ribbon of contrasting mortar to create a fine-joint appearance, while repointing is a straightforward mortar replacement. Here in Little Rock, we handle both techniques depending on what your project needs.

If you see gaps between your bricks, crumbling mortar, or water stains on interior walls, those are signs that your mortar joints need attention. Ignoring them will not make the problem go away. It will only get worse and more expensive to fix. When you call us, we will inspect your brickwork, identify problem areas, and give you a clear plan for restoring your walls. Our local masonry team has been doing this work for years, and we know how to make it last.

Signs Your Home Needs Tuckpointing

Mortar deterioration happens gradually, so it is easy to miss the early warning signs. Once you know what to look for, you can catch problems before they cause serious damage.

• ✓Cracked or crumbling mortar joints that feel soft or powdery to the touch
• ✓Gaps between bricks where mortar has fallen out or eroded away
• ✓Water stains on interior walls, especially near corners or chimneys
• ✓White chalky deposits on brick surfaces, known as efflorescence
• ✓Bricks that feel loose or shift when you press on them
• ✓Mortar that is recessed more than a quarter inch from the face of the brick

If your home was built more than 30 years ago and has never had the mortar replaced, there is a good chance it needs tuckpointing. Mortar does not last forever. Even high-quality mortar breaks down after a few decades of exposure to rain, freezing temperatures, and the expansion and contraction that comes with seasonal changes.

We inspect your walls carefully and test the mortar to see how deteriorated it is. If we find weak spots, we will show you exactly where the problem areas are and explain what needs to be done. No surprises, no hidden costs. Just honest advice from people who care about doing the job right.

How We Handle Tuckpointing Projects

Tuckpointing is not just about filling gaps with mortar. It requires the right tools, the right mortar mix, and the right technique to match the existing brickwork and ensure long-lasting results.

Step 1: Inspection and Assessment

We start by examining your walls to identify damaged mortar joints. We check for structural issues, water damage, and any signs of underlying problems that might affect the repair. If there are issues beyond the mortar, like cracked bricks or foundation movement, we will let you know so you can address them before or during the tuckpointing process.

Step 2: Removing Old Mortar

We use grinders and chisels to carefully remove the damaged mortar without harming the bricks. The depth and width of the cut matter. Too shallow, and the new mortar will not bond properly. Too deep, and we risk damaging the bricks. We aim for a depth of about three-quarters of an inch, which gives the new mortar plenty of surface area to grip.

Step 3: Mixing and Matching Mortar

Not all mortar is the same. Historic homes often used lime-based mortar, which is softer and more flexible than modern cement-heavy mixes. Using the wrong type can cause more damage than it fixes. We analyze your existing mortar and match the composition, color, and texture so the new joints blend seamlessly with the old. For help with other types of masonry work, check out our brick repair and restoration services.

Step 4: Filling and Finishing the Joints

Once the mortar is mixed, we pack it tightly into the joints using a trowel and pointing tool. Proper compaction is critical. Air pockets or loose mortar will crack and fail quickly. After filling the joints, we tool them to match the profile of the surrounding mortar, whether that is a concave, flush, or weathered finish.

Step 5: Curing and Cleanup

Fresh mortar needs time to cure properly. We keep the mortar moist for several days to prevent it from drying too fast and cracking. Once it is fully cured, we clean the bricks, remove any excess mortar, and make sure everything looks clean and professional. You get a wall that looks great and will stand strong for decades.

Why Tuckpointing Protects Your Investment

Tuckpointing is not just cosmetic. It is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can do to protect your home. When mortar joints fail, water gets inside your walls. That water causes bricks to spall, metal lintels to rust, and wood framing to rot. Over time, structural problems develop that can cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix.

By replacing damaged mortar before it fails completely, you stop water intrusion and preserve the integrity of your walls. Tuckpointing extends the life of your brickwork, improves energy efficiency by sealing air leaks, and keeps your home looking sharp. It is an investment that pays for itself in the long run.

We work on all types of brick structures, from homes and chimneys to commercial buildings and retaining walls. If you need chimney repair and rebuilding or any other masonry service, we handle that too. Whatever your project, we bring the same attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Frequently Asked Questions