Mason Contractor, Chimney Repair Specialist in Metro-Detroit, Michigan Speaks about Tuckpointing

June 13, 2008 - PRLog -- Detroit, MI--Mark Maupin of Brick Repair LLC, is a local Michigan mason contractor who spoke on Tuckpointing basics at a National Real Estate Network meeting in Livonia. Mark has 12 years experience in masonry restoration, chimney repair, and historic restoration.

Mr. Maupin explained tuck-pointing basics for repairing masonry joints which fall apart and deteriorate over time.  This is a common problem. Tuck pointing is the removal and replacement of damaged mortar joints. Repairing cracked mortar joints may not be as difficult as one may think. With the purchase of a few tools, anyone can tackle some basic tuckpionting repairs. Most of these tools, including a masonry trowel, tuck pointer, a circular saw or angle grinder with a diamond blade, and mortar and a jointing tool, can be purchased at your local hardware or home-improvement stores. Mark recommends type n redi mix mortar for the job.  

Mark explained the first step is the prep work.  The homeowner will want to remove the cracked and damaged mortar, carefully sawing or grinding out the damaged mortar. “Be careful; take your time,” Mark explained.  “A careless slip with the grinder can make for a damaged brick instead of a cleaned out joint.”  Begin by removing the mortar at least an additional 1/2 of an inch deeper than the existing joint depth. Make sure to cover any dust sensitive areas with a tarp. Always wear a respirator, and safety glasses: this is very dusty work. Mark covered details about weather conditions and the type of brick one may be working with, and how it affects the strength and durability of the finished job.  On a warmer day and when working with a softer brick it is a good idea to clean the exposed joints out with water. This will allow for a slower cure time for mortar creating stronger joints and it ensures that the exposed joint has been properly cleaned out which will allow the new mortar to bond with the old mortar.

Once the joints are clean and have been ground back to the proper depth it is time to mix the mortar. Leaving the mortar a little on the stiff side will result in a much neater job. Mark explained scooping up mortar with a trowel, using small, easy to manage amounts.  Place the trowel next to the exposed joint, with the edge of the trowel resting on the bottom of the exposed joint. Use the tuckpointer to pack the mortar into the joint. This is a two handed operation. One hand holds the trowel while the second hand slides the mortar from the trowel into the exposed joint with the tuck pointer. When the joint is full, the next step is to tool the joint, running the jointing tool along the length of each freshly pointed joint.  Start with the vertical (head joints) then tool out the horizontal (bed joints).  Mark concluded by explaining this is somewhat tedious and detail-oriented work, but with a little patience, most do-it-yourselfers can do a competent tuck-pointing repair.


Brick Repair, LLC http://michiganchimneyrepair.com/ performs many services, including chimney repair, chimney restoration, chimney re-facing, tuck pointing, head joints, bed joints, chimney cap, chimney crown, chimney leaks, chimney roof flashing, chimney liners, chimney sweep performed in and around the following cities:


Detroit, Ferndale, Farmington, Royal Oak, Lincoln Park, Highland Park, Hamtramck, Farmington Hills, Bloomfield, West Bloomfield, Waterford, Oak park, Southfield, Huntington Woods, Berkley, Orchard Lake, Walled lake, Milford, Highland, White Lake, Commerce, South Lyon, New Hudson, Warren, Rochester Hills, Rochester, Auburn Hills, Oakland County, Wayne County

Contact for Free Estimate:

Mark Maupin
Brick Repair, LLC.
(248) 895-7752
http://michiganchimneyrepair.com/
bricklayblockbust@comcast.net



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