Chimney Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing is the age-old art of making brick and mortar work look neat and tidy. At Aelite Chimney Specialties, we always consider not only safety and durability, but also the aesthetics of the chimneys we work on. We accomplish this by using the tools and techniques of tuckpointing—which got its name as long ago as the 1800s, as bricklayers used “pointed” tools to “tuck” mortar in between bricks. Tuckpointing is needed because mortar is very susceptible to water damage and insect tunneling. This relatively-soft material grows weaker with time, begins to show its age and cries out for repair.
Tuckpointing allows us to transform the look of many older masonry chimneys, repairing problems of aging, crumbling and cracking mortar. It even allows us to fix the look of a chimney that has been poorly designed; without rebuilding a chimney, we can make it look as though all bricks are uniform in alignment and that all mortar is spread and tucked evenly.
What Does Chimney Tuckpointing Involve?
A certified chimney professional will first inspect your chimney to determine the condition of your brick and mortar. He or she will be looking for loose bricks, cracked or powdery mortar and gaps between bricks. The damaged mortar will be carefully removed, and then a custom mortar mix will be prepared, made specifically to match the color, strength and composition of your existing mortar. Using tuckpointing tools, the new mortar will be “tucked” into the existing gaps between the bricks and then smoothed out. Finishing tools will be used to match the look of the original brick so that your chimney won’t have that “patched up” look. If this process is not done carefully and thoughtfully, the result could be structurally and aesthetically devastating. Once the tuckpointing work is done, you may want to have your masonry professionally waterproofed for added protection. For more information on waterproofing, click here!
Why Tuckpoint?
Tuckpointing work is most valued for the durability and restorative look that it adds. By keeping water from seeping in between the bricks and preventing spalling, we can add decades to the lifetime of your chimney. Our chimney technicians do masonry repointing all throughout the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, and have the tools, experience and attention to detail to get the job done right.
If your masonry is in need of some TLC, please don’t neglect it any longer. Preserve the life of your chimney and protect your home investment by calling Aelite Chimney at (815) 363-1242 or click here to schedule an appointment online.
Let our experienced professionals talk with you about all our chimney, fireplace and vent services. If your chimney liner is damaged or if your chimney is not lined, you should strongly consider chimney relining. At Aelite Chimney Specialties, Inc., we look forward to being of service to you and your family.