Tuckpointing & Repointing Services

What Is Tuckpointing and Why Does It Matter?

Tuckpointing and repointing are terms for the same basic process: removing old, damaged mortar from between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. The mortar joints in your brick walls are designed to be the weakest part of the structure. That might sound bad, but it is actually smart engineering. When weather and time take their toll, the mortar wears down before the bricks do. This makes repairs easier and less expensive.

At KXM Knoxville Masonry, we specialize in tuckpointing for homes and buildings across Knoxville, TN and the surrounding areas. We have seen what happens when mortar joints fail. Water gets behind the brick, causing rot, mold, and structural damage. Your heating and cooling bills go up because air leaks through the gaps. In severe cases, walls can even become unstable.

The good news is that tuckpointing stops these problems before they get out of hand. By maintaining your mortar joints, you protect your entire masonry structure. It is one of the smartest investments you can make in your property.

Signs Your Mortar Needs Repointing

Mortar does not last forever. Depending on the quality of the original work and your local weather conditions, mortar joints typically need repointing every 25 to 30 years. In areas with harsh winters and wet springs like East Tennessee, joints can fail even sooner.

Crumbling or Missing Mortar

When mortar starts to crumble, you will see gaps between the bricks. You might find chunks of mortar on the ground near your foundation. This is a clear sign that the mortar has reached the end of its life. The longer you wait, the more water seeps in and the worse the damage gets.

Cracks in Mortar Joints

Hairline cracks are common and not always a problem. But when cracks get wider or run through multiple joints, they let water inside your walls. Water is the enemy of masonry. It causes freeze-thaw damage in winter, promotes mold growth, and can even damage your home's structure.

White Staining on Bricks

That white, powdery substance you see on brick is called efflorescence. It forms when water moves through the masonry and leaves mineral deposits behind. Efflorescence is a sign that moisture is getting into your walls, which means your mortar joints are probably failing. If you also notice issues with the bricks themselves, you might need brick repair services in addition to repointing.

Our Tuckpointing Process

Tuckpointing is skilled work that requires experience and the right tools. When you hire us, you get craftsmen who know what they are doing and take pride in their work.

We start by carefully removing the old mortar to a depth of about three-quarters of an inch. This gives the new mortar enough depth to bond properly and last for decades. We use specialized grinders and hand tools to avoid damaging the bricks. Some contractors rush this step and end up chipping bricks or not going deep enough. We do it right.

Next, we mix fresh mortar that matches the color and texture of your existing joints. Mortar matching is both science and art. We test different mixes until we get it right. When the job is done, you should not be able to tell where the old mortar ends and the new mortar begins.

We apply the new mortar in layers, compacting it tightly into the joints. Proper compaction prevents air pockets and ensures a strong bond. After the mortar sets to the right firmness, we tool the joints to match your existing profile. Finally, we brush away excess mortar and clean the surface. Your masonry looks sharp and performs like new.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tuckpointing