Tuckpointing is a process of repairing mortar joints between bricks. When tuckpointing historic church bricks it’s important to follow certain guidelines to ensure that you church masonry repairs are done in a way that is consistent with the original construction and will not cause further damage to the historic masonry. Here are some general steps that should be followed when tuckpointing historic bricks:
- Assess the condition of the bricks and mortar: Before beginning the tuckpointing process, it’s important to assess the condition of the bricks and mortar. This can help determine whether the mortar needs to be completely removed or whether it can be patched in certain areas.
- Choose the right mortar: When tuckpointing historic bricks, it’s important to use a mortar that is compatible with the original mortar in terms of color, texture, and strength. This can help ensure that the repairs blend in with the surrounding masonry and do not cause any further damage.
- Remove the old mortar: If the old mortar is in poor condition, it may need to be completely removed. This can be done using specialized tools such as a chisel, grinder, or mortar saw. It’s important to be careful not to damage the bricks during this process.
- Clean the joints: Once the old mortar has been removed, the joints between the bricks should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any debris or loose material. This can be done using a wire brush or a compressed air tool.
- Apply the new mortar: Once the joints have been cleaned, the new mortar can be applied using a trowel or a pointing tool. It’s important to ensure that the mortar is applied evenly and that it fills the joints completely.
- Finishing: After the new mortar has been applied, it should be finished to match the texture of the surrounding masonry. This can be done using a pointing trowel or a special tool called a jointer.
It’s important to note that tuckpointing historic bricks should be done by a skilled professional like Inspired Heights, someone with experience in working with historic masonry. Improper tuckpointing can cause damage to the bricks and compromise the structural integrity of the building
