Repointing and Tuckpointing – What’s the Difference?

As a company that specializes in masonry including historical restoration as well as brick and stone restoration, we’re often asked about numerous technicalities by clients.

To make things extremely simple, masonry is the process of using stone as well as brick and mortar for the purpose of construction.

According to one article published by the MCAA (Mason Contractors Association of America) masonry has been used for over six thousand years and still is to date.

Jargon and Processes

When masons discuss processes that involve restoration or construction, they use certain terms and terminology. Some of this is quite specific and can on occasion, confuse clients. Two such terms that we know of are repointing and tuckpointing.

If you’re someone confused about what these are or about which of the two you may need, read on!

Repointing

Whether your building/structure is made of brick or stone, what holds each block together and in place is mortar. Since the mortar is usually structurally inferior to a degree to the main building material (the brick or stone), the same may wear and deteriorate at a faster rate.

When this happens the old mortar needs to be removed and replaced. Furthermore, the mortar used in replacement needs to be matched with the original. This process of removing older mortar and replacing it with a new and near identical adhesive sealant is known as repointing.

Please note that this process is by no means simple and requires skilled and experienced hands to do the job well. It is a fine, delicate and meticulous process, one best handled by a professional.

Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is something that is meant to be undertaken once a structure has been repointed. In a sense, this is more along the lines of fine tuning in comparison. You don’t tuckpoint a structure that has damaged mortar in need for replacement.

Tuckpointing is simply the addition of lining to a piece of construction that you have already had repointed or one where the mortar was undamaged.

So What Do I Get Done?

If you’re a commercial building owner or someone who owns an old property where the old mortar needs removal or replacement, have a repointing job done. If you’ve just had your place repointed, or simply feel a little beautification is what you require, tuckpointing is what you want.

In Conclusion

In any case, regardless of what you do, make sure you work with the right commercial restoration contractor as repointing and tuckpointing are both specialized processes! If you’re located in Boston, Concord, Lexington or surrounding areas in Massachusetts, we’re at your service so feel free to connect with us now!