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If the mortar on your brick building has seen better days, you have two options to restore it: tuckpointing and repointing. While these two services both restore mortar joints and strengthen brickwork, they use different processes to yield slightly different results.
Not sure how to decide between tuckpointing vs. repointing? Learn the differences between these two brick repair methods, how much they cost, and how to choose the best method for your project.
What Is Tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing is a specialized mortar repair process that mimics the look of thin joints between rubbed bricks, creating a clean and seamless result. During the process, masonry contractors carefully remove mortar before applying a new layer of brick-colored mortar. To create the appearance of thin, clean joints, your contractor will then place a thin layer of pale putty in the center.
If your main goal is to make your brick look better, tuckpointing is probably the right choice, but you might have to sacrifice repair quality. Tuckpointing alone doesn’t always fix extensive damage. If you’re more concerned about repairing your brick long term and don’t care as much about creating the specific look tuckpointing provides, repointing may be a better choice.
What Is Repointing?
Like tuckpointing, repointing replaces crumbling and deteriorated mortar with fresh mortar. However, repointing focuses more on functionality than appearance to strengthen your building and prevent water damage.
During the repointing process, your masonry contractor will use a chisel or electric grinder to remove the original mortar before adding new mortar in thin layers. They’ll only use one mortar color, which means you won’t get the crisp look of tuckpointing, but a good repointing job is typically indistinguishable from the surrounding bricks.
Signs You Need Tuckpointing or Repointing
There are several signs that the mortar joints on your masonry building may need repairs, including:
- Visible cracks or crumbling in mortar joints
- Loose bricks or gaps between brick and mortar
- Evidence of water damage, like efflorescence or staining
- Cracked or damaged bricks
- Moisture in your building
An expert can tell you if your brickwork needs pointing and recommend repairs.
The Cost of Tuckpointing vs. Repointing
Cost is one of the biggest factors that helps determine your choice between tuckpointing and repointing. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for each repair method:
How Much Does Tuckpointing Cost?
The price of your tuckpointing job will depend on the project’s size and location as well as the area in need of repair. It’s a more expensive option than repointing because it typically requires more labor and time. The average price for a tuckpointing job is around $15 per square foot, but actual costs may range from $5 to $25 per square foot.
Several factors can affect the cost of tuckpointing. If masonry joints are severely damaged, your contractor will have to spend more time removing and repairing mortar, which increases labor costs. They may also charge extra to set up scaffolding if the repair area is hard to access. Small areas that just need a decorative touchup, like an archway around your front entry, may be less expensive.
What’s the Cost of Repointing Brick?
Repointing brick costs less on average than tuckpointing projects. You may pay as little as $3 a square foot for a simple job, but a more labor-intensive project can cost $15 or more.
Electric grinders can make repointing jobs easier and quicker to complete, but small mortar joints may require hand chiseling, which can increase costs. Larger, harder-to-reach areas can also cost more than small, easily accessible jobs. You may be able to save money by repointing the most damaged sections of brick instead of an entire brick wall.
How to Decide Between Repointing and Tuckpointing
Deciding between repointing and tuckpointing is all about personal preference—and what you’re willing to spend. Here are a few steps to help you make the right choice.
Assess the Damage
If you’re looking for more of a stylistic fix for worn-down brickwork, tuckpointing is the right move. However, tuckpointing may not address severe water damage or deteriorated mortar. Repointing may be the better choice if there are serious issues to address.
Consider Your Goals
Tuckpointing is the more expensive of the two brick repair options but often provides a more desirable look. If your goal is to improve curb appeal and match the look of your building, tuckpointing is worth the cost. However, if your main goal is to strengthen and seal brick or stone, it may be better to repoint.
Ask a Professional
A reputable masonry contractor will have the knowledge and experience to determine which repair method is best for your project. Consult a professional to inspect the damage and give an informed recommendation. Your masonry contractor can also provide cost estimates to help you determine if tuckpointing or repointing is the more economical way to achieve your goals.
Opt for Both
Ultimately, you may not have to choose between repointing and tuckpointing. Your masonry contractor can repoint brick and mix custom mortar to match your building’s style.
Need a Professional’s Opinion?
Schedule a consultation with Approved Home Improvements to get professional recommendations and a free repair estimate.
Start Your Tuckpointing or Repointing Project With Approved Home Improvements
Need masonry services in St. Louis? Approved Home Improvements can perform high-quality tuckpointing, repointing, or both to protect your brickwork without sacrificing appearance.
We ensure the highest level of quality, safety, and service by adding a few extra steps to the standard brick repair process:
- Before removing old mortar, we install scaffolding at your worksite and put harnesses on our crew.
- During the removal process, we use self-cleaning vacuums to collect harmful silica dust, keeping you and our team safe.
- Finally, we perfectly match your new mortar to the masonry for a seamless transition.
Our team seals your new brickwork and offers a one-year warranty to ensure you’re happy with our tuckpointing or repointing job. We strive to restore your building to its original look and functionality.
Ready to bring your brick back to life? Call us to schedule your consultation.
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