Tuckpointing in Chicago
Chicago’s freeze-thaw winters wear down mortar joints. Tuckpointing replaces damaged mortar before water gets into the wall, so the brick stays sound and the building keeps its look.
Signs your brick needs tuckpointing
- Crumbling or sandy mortar between the bricks
- Cracks running along the mortar joints
- Gaps between the mortar and the brick
- Loose or shifting bricks
- Water stains or dampness on the inside of a brick wall
Not sure? Send us a few photos and we’ll tell you what the wall needs.
How we do it
- 01
Inspect the wall
We check the mortar, the brick and the cause of the damage so the repair fixes the real problem.
- 02
Remove the old mortar
Worn and loose mortar is carefully ground out of the joints without harming the brick.
- 03
Fill with fresh mortar
New mortar is packed into the joints, matched to the color and style of your wall.
- 04
Finish and clean up
Joints are tooled for a clean line and the wall is cleaned when we’re done.
Before & after
Before and after
Photos from our own projects. Drag the slider to compare.
Before
After
More photos from the job site
Helpful guides
What affects the cost of tuckpointing in Chicago?
No two tuckpointing jobs are the same. See what drives the cost of tuckpointing in Chicago and how to get an accurate written estimate.
Read the guide
Tuckpointing vs repointing: what’s the difference?
Tuckpointing and repointing are often used as the same word. Here is what each one means and what your brick wall really needs.
Read the guide
When is the best time to tuckpoint in Chicago?
Chicago’s freeze-thaw winters wear down mortar. Here is the best time to tuckpoint, why winter work is a problem and how to plan ahead.
Read the guide
DIY tuckpointing or hire a mason?
Can you tuckpoint yourself? See when a small DIY repair is fine, what can go wrong and when to call a Chicago mason.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between tuckpointing and repointing?
In everyday use the two words mean the same thing: removing worn mortar from the joints and filling them with fresh mortar. Strictly speaking, tuckpointing also adds a thin contrasting line for a decorative finish, but most repair jobs are repointing.
How do I know if my building needs tuckpointing?
Look for crumbling mortar, cracked joints, gaps around the bricks or loose bricks. If you’re not sure, send us a few photos and we’ll tell you honestly what the wall needs.
Will the new mortar match my old brickwork?
We aim to match the color and joint style so the repair blends in with the rest of the wall.
Do you tuckpoint chimneys and parapet walls?
Yes. We repair brick walls, chimneys and parapet walls on homes and commercial buildings.
Other services
Masonry Repair
Cracked or spalling brick, step cracks, loose or bulging walls: repaired and rebuilt to match the original.
Learn more
Chimney Repair
New chimney crowns, tuckpointing, brick replacement and full rebuilds above the roofline.
Learn more
Masonry Restoration
Older brick and stone buildings brought back to life: damaged sections rebuilt, original character kept.
Learn more
Power Washing
Dirt, mildew and staining removed from brick, stone and concrete without damaging the surface.
Learn moreWindow Caulking
Fresh, airtight seals around windows and doors that stop drafts, leaks and moisture.
Learn moreTell us about your project
Send a few photos or describe the problem, and we’ll get back to you with next steps and an estimate.