What is Tuckpointing?
The tuckpointing method was developed in England in the late eighteenth century to imitate brickwork that was constructed using rubbed bricks, which were bricks with a fine, red finish that were made slightly oversized, and after firing, were individually abraded or cut, often by hand, to a precise size. Tuckpointing was developed to imitate brickwork that was constructed using rubbed bricks, which were also known as rubbers and gauged bricks. When poured with white lime mortar, a crisp finish of red brick was created, which contrasted with very fine white seams throughout the structure. Tuckpointing was a method of achieving a similar effect using inexpensive, unrubbed bricks. These bricks were laid in a mortar of a matching color (initially red, but later, blue-black bricks and mortar were occasionally used), and a fine fillet of white material, typically pipe clay or putty, was pushed into the joints before the mortar set. Tuckpointing was a method of achieving a similar look at a lower cost.
The term “tuckpointing” comes from an older, less sophisticated technique that was used with very uneven bricks. In this technique, a thin line was drawn in the flush-faced mortar, but it was left unfilled, to give the impression of well-formed brickwork. This is where the term “tuckpointing” comes from today.
[source: missing citation] “Wigging,” an Irish method with a similar effect, switches the positions of the words. After applying the white ribbons first, the surrounding mortar is then filled or tinted to match the ribbons.
Although the phrases “brick tuckpointing” and “repointing” are sometimes used interchangeably, there are significant differences in the outcomes and what should be expected from each of these repairs when it comes to chimneys. If you see that the mortar joints in your chimney are beginning to crack and fall apart, you will need to select which type of repair will be most effective for your chimney.
The majority of chimneys made of masonry endure severe wear and tear over the course of their lifetimes. This is due to the fact that they are used to vent fireplaces and other gas-powered appliances in homes. Chimneys that are constructed out of brick and mortar should last a lifetime; nevertheless, wet winters and corrosive exhaust frequently destroy the masonry joints of chimneys over time, both inside and outside. Brickwork that has been damaged can only become worse if it is not maintained, which would need you to completely replace your chimney.
Find out what causes joints to get damaged, and discover how to keep your brick chimney in good condition for many years to come. Find out how repointing and tuckpointing are done by masons so that your chimney will remain in good condition for the rest of your life.
What is meant by “Tuckpointing”?
Tuckpointing, on the other hand, is a decorative or aesthetic process that is undertaken after other joint repairs have been completed and the damaged chimney portions have been restored. Tuck-pointing is the process of restoring mortar joints such that they seem like the extremely thin joints that are characteristic of an older type of masonry architecture known as “Rubbed Brick.” This method utilizes joints of two distinct hues in its construction.
To create the illusion of thin joints between the brickwork, first a mortar that has been dyed to match the color of the bricks that surround it is applied. Next, a thin mortar joint that contrasts with the surrounding mortar is put. Because it imitated the more expensive Rubbed Brick style, which was quite fashionable during this time period in England, this particular type of masonry became very popular in the 18th century.
Tuckpointing is a type of mortar that matches the color of the bricks and has a v-groove cut into it. This creates the appearance of a narrow junction between the bricks.
Instructions on Tuckpointing Brick Work
To a depth of one inch, remove the old mortar that is between the joints.
Brick-colored mortar should be used to fill the vacant joint, and it should be brought up to the same level as the bricks’ outside surface.
Dig about a V-shaped groove in the centre of this colored mortar joint, and then wait for it to partially set before moving on.
Before the darker mortar has completely hardened, apply the lighter “Lime Putty” mortar in the v-groove in a manner that is thin, uniform, and as consistent as possible. This creates the illusion of a tiny joint line, which is found between the bricks.
The fact that both repointing and tuck-pointing require removing the current mortar and replacing it with new is probably what contributes to the misunderstanding that exists between the two phrases.
If you suspect that your chimney or fireplace is having some issues, have an expert inspect it. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today. We also offer Chimney Cleaning Maxwell and other affordable services.