Masonry Chimney Repointing, Tuckpointing & Spalling: Our Experts Provide Quality Results

Masonry chimneys are built to last – all are made out of a combination of brick, mortar, concrete, cast iron, and other strong materials that add up to a functional, beautiful, and durable part of your home.

What Is Repointing & Tuckpointing?

Chimney repointing (or tuckpointing) is the detailed process of removing deteriorated mortar from a masonry chimney or wall joint, and then replacing it with new mortar that matches both the look and functional needs of the original construction.

Some simplify this process, thinking caulk and some know-how can get a DIY repointing job done quickly and cheaply, but this is far from true. In fact, using the wrong materials can result in more damage in the near future, as well as an unsightly finished project. It takes skill, training, and extensive knowledge on chimney systems to get the results just right – but it’s nothing our crew can’t handle.

For a job done right, give us a call. We’re here and happy to help.

What Is Spalling?

If you see chipping, flaking, and crumbling concrete on or around your chimney, what you’re seeing is the results of spalling. Once again (and as with most chimney damages), water is likely the culprit here. If rain or melted snow and ice seep into your concrete, it can then freeze underneath the top layer, resulting in pressure that causes spalling.

Think of deteriorating joints, bricks, and concrete as chinks in your chimney’s armor. With those areas unprotected, water can much more easily invade and cause much deeper, more costly damage. So repairing issues as soon as possible is key to keeping your chimney functioning for a long time to come, and saving yourself from more expensive repairs – even rebuilds – in the future.

Can I DIY Masonry Chimney Repair?

It’s important to repair deteriorating mortar and concrete quickly – and to hire an experienced technician to do it.

Hiring an experienced chimney technician to do the work is just as important as the work itself. It may look simple to replace mortar in a joint, but there are complex considerations that go into the choice of materials and the methods of repair that affect both the look of the work and its ability to function and last. This is especially true of historic homes, like the ones in our area.

Can a poor repointing job damage a historic home?

Yes, improper repointing can detract from the appearance of a chimney, but more importantly, it can result in further, dangerous damage to historic masonry.

There are big differences between the materials used today and those used in historic masonry work. For example, modern brick, since it’s fired at a much higher temperature, is much harder than historic brick. In addition, modern mortar materials are more rigid and less water-permeable than the lime mortar used in many historic homes.

And when materials are used or combined incorrectly, the integrity of the structure can be compromised. The materials need to work together in the right way, allowing for expansion and contraction in the right degrees, allowing or preventing water absorption in the right places. If that isn’t taken into consideration, further damage can result.

Give Us a Call for Masonry Repair & Restoration

Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep technicians have the experience to know the right materials and techniques for your historic home. We’ve been building and repairing chimneys for more than 45 years, so whether you have a historic home or newer home in need of chimney repointing or concrete repair, we can do the job so it looks great and lasts.

If you’ve noticed deterioration or spalling – or want an experienced Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep technician to make sure your chimney is in top shape – give us a call today or book with us online today.

Talk to us about installing a new top-mount damper in your chimney. It will go a long way toward preventing the need for additional chimney or masonry repairs – and that’s a good thing.