What Is Brick Tuck Pointing?
What Is Brick Tuck Pointing And Why Might A
Bergen County Property Owner Need It?
1 Call Restore Is The Premier Contractor
Fixing Masonry Issues In North Jersey
As the owner of a brick residential, commercial, or industrial building, you may be faced with masonry problems that could benefit from brick tuck pointing in Bergen County, NJ. However, many property owners do not know what tuck pointing is or how it could benefit them. If you are one of these, read on.
Brick tuck pointing is a process in which the mortar joints of a masonry wall are finished or repaired. It improves the building’s curb appeal, certainly. However, its true purpose is to strengthen a building’s structure by sealing out moisture.
Below is everything you need to know about brick tuck pointing in North Jersey, including what it is, why it is necessary, and how it might benefit you.
What Is Brick Tuck Pointing in Bergen County, NJ?
Depending on whom you talk to in North Jersey, brick tuck pointing is sometimes referred to as repointing or brick pointing. However, these terms actually have slightly different—though similar—meanings. It may help to start by defining terms. Here is what each means:
- Pointing: This is the process of filling mortar joints, or the spaces between bricks, during new construction. The term may also refer to the mortar joints themselves.
- Repointing: This refers to the process of repairing existing masonry by removing old mortar from the masonry joints and then replacing it with newer, stronger mortar.
- Tuck pointing: This repair removes old mortar. New mortar that closely matches the color of the bricks is added. Brick and mortar blend seamlessly. Lines (or fillets) of putty of a contrasting color are embedded along the center of the new mortar joints, creating the illusion of crisp, new masonry.
In optimal cases, brick tuck pointing is performed well before a masonry wall has deteriorated to the point where it obviously needs repair. If you are considering such a project, enlist the help of a masonry expert to help you determine if other repairs are required before proceeding.
When Is Brick Tuck Pointing Necessary?
The bricks of a masonry wall can last for a century or longer. This makes it an exceptional cladding for Bergen County, NJ homes, commercial buildings, and other structures. However, the mortar that fills the gaps between bricks typically only lasts for 20 years or so.
When mortar suffers damage or begins to deteriorate, brick tuck pointing is a good solution. Below are some common signs of mortar damage:
- Cracked, broken, or missing mortar joints
- Joints protruding from the surface of the wall
- Cracking or crumbling bricks due to no mortar support
The latter symptom is the most severe and requires immediate addressing. Contact a masonry expert to inspect the wall and perform any necessary repairs. Only after the bricks or facade have been replaced/repaired can you consider brick tuck pointing.
Older buildings often require tuck pointing because they lack important features that are commonplace today. For instance, the masonry of older buildings often lacks the following:
- Air gaps: These are 1-inch spaces between the building frame and the back of the brick wall. They let mortar drain out of the cavity and prevent heat transfer to the frame.
- Weep Holes: These are located at the bottom of the air gap and permit moisture to leave the cavity and exit the structure.
- Vents: Foundation vents, crawlspace vents, chimney flue vents, and the like let humid air flow out of a structure and prevent moisture buildup.
If your aging Bergen County, NJ property does not have these features, it would be wise to consider brick tuck pointing to prevent moisture from collecting and causing interior water damage.
What Are The Benefits Of Brick Tuck
Pointing In Bergen County, NJ?
Brick pointing on your North Jersey building gives it a strong support structure by replacing old, deteriorated mortar with stronger, newer mortar. It keeps your bricks strong, stable, and well-supported. It boosts the integrity of your masonry structure, and it acts as preventative maintenance that staves off more serious problems.
It is far less expensive than replacing brick siding wholesale, and it profoundly improves the appearance of your North Jersey residential, commercial, or industrial building.
