Tuck Pointing: What You Need to Know

Many grand houses have been made from bricks, as they have become a go-to material for homeowners because of their apparent benefits. Bricks offer strength and durability, but despite its many advantages, it’s not perfect and can sometimes be subject to damages.

For this reason, lots of brick houses need to be reinforced. Tuck pointing is the process that’s done to strengthen and support brick houses.

The questions remain—what exactly is tuck pointing, and should you have it done for your home? In this article, we’ll shed some light on the matter at hand. Read on below to learn more.

Understanding Tuck Pointing Better 

Tuck pointing is the intricate process of removing and replacing the mortar joints within the brickwork of your home. On a related note, almost any wall has a sort of a tuck pointing job; it just so happens that it’s more often found in brick homes. Ideally, tuck pointing must be redone every 10 to 15 years for it to be effective.

Masonry contractors do tuck pointing jobs. Most of the time, they will need to determine how many repairs are required. There are instances where spot tuck pointing is done, just working on smaller joints in the brickwork. However, most tuck pointing jobs are usually doing all of it.

Why It Has to Be Done

If your house doesn’t have any kind of tuck pointing whatsoever, you’re just doing yourself a disservice. Tuck pointing is essential for the following reasons:

• It’s what holds your house together.
• If bad tuck pointing is in place, water intrusion can happen, attracting mould in the walls. Mould can contribute to the structural degradation of your home.
• Water intrusion can also cause basement flooding.

When Mold Growth Occurs

If the tuck pointing isn’t done well, there will be gaps in between walls. These gaps are what can cause water intrusion, which in turn attracts mould. Mould can also cause your home to smell bad.

When basement flooding happens, it likely goes all the way up to the top of your walls. If you can’t detect it immediately, chances are it will leave some signs, such as stains on the wall or chipping if the walls are painted.

This is often what many masonry contractors miss. The gaps are small, but they’re big enough to cause water intrusion. To test whether or not it can happen, water tests are usually conducted with the help of a hose.

Tuck Pointing Costs

Like most businesses in the realm of construction, masonry contractors offer varying prices when it comes to tuck pointing jobs.

The standard prices are usually somewhere between $500 to $2,000 for 100 square feet, making it $5 to $25 per square foot. However, other factors have to be taken into account, such as the location of your home or how much work is going to be done.

Homes with chimneys are often deemed separate jobs. For tuck pointing chimneys, the price is usually somewhere between $10 to $25 per square foot. Ideally, the price for chimney tuck pointing jobs goes up to $200.

Keep in mind that prices are often subject to change depending on your mortar’s condition. For this reason, it’s best to consult with your contractor to know which works best for you.

Conclusion

Tuck pointing is a necessary measure to prolong the lifespan of your home. Not only does it add to durability, but it also increases the property’s value. As long as you have tuck pointing in your home, you can guarantee that you will be safe within its confines.

Red Robin Masonry Prides is one of the leading providers of masonry services in Toronto. We believe that your home is your most significant investment, which is why we’re here to make things happen for you. If you need masonry services for your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call!