How to Do Tuckpointing

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Tuckpointing is the process of removing and replacing deteriorated, damaged and missing mortar in between brick, block, stone and other masonry surfaces. It is a project more often left to professionals but, like anything else, can be done with enough thought, practice and planning.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. The first step is to assess the area where damaged mortar will need to be replaced.
  2. Using appropriate equipment(Ladders, scaffolding, aerial lifts etc.), set up to reach the area safely.
    Advertisement
  3. After set-up or if none is needed, the joints will need to be removed. Joint removal can be done in a variety of ways. A hammer and chisel, a raker bar (a specialized tool for the trade) or with a 4" angle grinder with a diamond masonry blade.
  4. Once the joints are removed, the joints will need to be cleaned to remove dirt and debris left over from the joint removal process. This allows for better bonding of new mortar to old brick. Cleaning is done with a masonry brush, a hose or by blowing the joints clean with a leaf blower.
  5. Mix premix mortar in wheelbarrow with hoe to specifications on product bag. The mortar must be weaker than the bricks, or it will destroy the bricks over time.
  6. Cleaned joints are ready to tuckpoint. Use a joiner or tuckpointing trowel to push mortar into the wall from a hawk board. Make sure the tool you are using is appropriate for the size of the joints.
  7. Allow the mortar to cure for a short while, enough so that it has little moisture but is still pliable, then Brush excess mortar from the wall for a finished product.
  8. Apply a masonry cleaner 2-3 weeks after completion of the work to remove any residual haze left over from the tuckpointing
  9. After 30 days a sealer may be applied but is not necessary.
    10. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Severe injury can result in attempting a tuckpointing project. Be careful when operating an angle grinder and make sure any set-ups using ladders or scaffolding are safe and secure.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Dust mask
      • Gloves
      • Protective eyeglasses
      • Hammer/Chisel
      • Angle grinder with masonry blade
      • Hawk Board
      • Tuckpointing jointer trowel
      • Wheelbarrow
      • Hoe
      • Tarps
      • Margin trowel
      • Masonry brush
      • Garden hose
      • Extension cords

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Build a Chimney
      How to
      Hang Something on Brick
      How to
      Build a Brick Wall
      How To Sculpt Stone Like an Artist
      How to
      Nail Into Brick
      How to
      Stucco a House
      How to
      Make a Brick Kiln
      How to
      Drill Into Brick: Preparation, Tools, and Best Methods
      How to
      Hang on Stucco Without Drilling
      Guide to Building a Brick Column: Footing, Courses, & Capstone
      How to
      Clean Soot from Brick
      How to
      Paint Cinder Blocks
      How to
      Drill Through Granite
      How to
      Make Bricks from Concrete
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43,017 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement