Most people don’t often stop to appreciate the majesty of a beautiful brick building or wall. While over time wind, rain and hail can cause masonry in Chicago to deteriorate, there are some things that can help restore that beauty back to its original form to look great and to remain water tight.
Tuckpointing and repointing are two terms that are often used interchangeably to describe a process that restores mortar joints to repair a problem. Professional masonry contractors in Chicago understand, though, that there is a difference between the two processes.
Repointing
The process that actually repairs damaged or crumbling mortar joints between bricks is called “Repointing.” This process is designed to fill in any gaps and completely restore the structure for a sound waterproof barrier.
Masonry contractors are very much accustomed to this type of work, whether it is on commercial or residential buildings, particularly on chimneys. As the highest point on a home, a chimney tends to be exposed to much more severe weather, so repointing is often a great way to repair the damage.
Tuckpointing
While tuckpointing is similar to repointing, there is a major difference. Tuckpointing uses two different colored mortars that complement each other and the bricks on the structure. This allows the new mortar to blend in seamlessly with the bricks, while also providing a contrast within the mortar. This contrast makes the brickwork pop, for a visually appealing look.
As you can see, the objective of both repointing and tuckpointing is to repair or restore a brick structure. Tuckpointing contractors in Chicago, however, go that extra step to also give the wall a fresh new appearance.
Both will help a building last for generations, but tuckpointing will give it a little boost in appearance that is similar to using high-end bricks without the need for an expensive total brick replacement.