Tuckpointing
Restore Your Masonry & Keep Your Chimney Standing Strong With Professional Tuckpointing From ChimneyTEK of Delaware
While it’s true that masonry chimneys and fireplaces can stand strong for decades, the mortar that binds the brick together isn’t nearly as durable as the brick itself. Brick can last for a century, but mortar typically only lasts a quarter of that time. And as the mortar joints weaken and deteriorate, they put unnecessary stress on the surrounding brick, causing even more damage. The sooner repairs are made, the better.
What Signs to Look For?
So what are the signs to look for that will let you know your mortar joints need to be repaired?
You may see things like the following:
- Cracks
- Small Holes
- Crumbling Areas
- Receding Joints
- Discoloration or Vegetation Growth (like mold, algae, or mildew)
This masonry deterioration can be unattractive and worrisome, but rest easy, because the team of chimney professionals here at ChimneyTEK of Delaware can make the needed repairs and get your chimney and fireplace back in shape.
How Do We Repair Masonry Chimneys & Fireplaces?
To repair mortar joints on chimneys and fireplaces, we use a process known as tuckpointing. We use specialized tools to carefully remove the mortar in the damaged area and pack fresh mortar into the space.
For the best results, it’s imperative that the mason doing the work very carefully grind out the old mortar, making sure not to damage the surrounding brick. It’s also imperative that the new mortar be mixed and matched to blend beautifully with the surrounding mortar. If the mortar isn’t softer than the surrounding brick, it can prevent brick from contracting and expanding as temperatures change, which could cause the restricted brick to crack or break.
The best way to prevent this is to make sure you know what type of mortar mix and brick was used in the construction of the chimney or fireplace.
Our team uses their extensive knowledge of the area and the building materials used over time to decipher just what type of mortar mix should be used, so you can rest easy.
With ChimneyTEK of Delaware, you don’t have to worry about messy work or the structural integrity of your chimney or fireplace. We’ll make sure the results are beautiful, strong, and long-lasting.
And because we believe in offering permanent solutions, we don’t just patch the mortar joint and move on with our day. We take the time to figure out what’s causing the mortar damage. Whether a chimney leak is to blame, the chimney gets a lot of wind and rain, or it’s simply age, we’ll get to the bottom of things and provide you with recommendations for protecting and preserving your masonry. We even offer chimney waterproofing, which can protect your chimney against weather-related damage for 10 years.
Call On ChimneyTEK of Delaware — A Family of Chimney Sweeps You Can Count On
You don’t have to live with a weakening, unattractive chimney or fireplace — call on ChimneyTEK of Delaware at 302-729-6112 and schedule an appointment to have your masonry tuckpointed and repaired. We’re proud to bring the highest-quality chimney and masonry services to Dover and the surrounding areas, and we aim to please each and every customer we serve.
Don’t let just anyone into your home — call on our CSIA– and NFI-certified chimney professionals. Integrity and honesty are core values we bring to each and every job. Call us or click here to request an appointment Monday through Saturday. We look forward to it!
Is your fireplace system in need of a full chimney rebuild? Don’t worry, our chimney and masonry repair experts can handle it all.