Tuckpointing Bricks on the Chimney

We are coming to an end of summer. This is when our weather begins to change and our focus turns to a nice fire in the fireplace. Did you know that most tuckpointing repairs are done during warm weather? Meaning spring, summer and fall. This is important as the mortar needs to fully dry and winter or cold weather isn’t supportive of drying mortar during a chimney repair.

Why is this a Good Picture of Tuckpointing Bricks on the Chimney?

When you take a look at the picture, you can visibly see solid bricks with mortar and no spaces or gaps in between. This means that bugs, water, snow or anything else small cannot get in between the bricks and help the deterioration process go faster. Sometimes when we want to do this ourselves, the result isn’t nearly as pretty as when professionally done. Many individuals look at this picture and says, “yes, I can do this!” But when you do try it…and you only get one try…it doesn’t come out as nice.

Professional chimney repair specialists make the job look easy. That’s because they are trained and experienced in doing this many many times which makes them like an artist. Only a specialist can mix mortar to a perfect consistency, place it between two bricks and make it look like this! It is a talent, so just use a professional from Superior Chimney. Remember, bricks are heavy. Bricks (or even stone) are placed one on top of the other with mortar mixture creating a suction bond in between them.

Let’s Talk Tuckpointing and Bricks

There’s a good reason why masonry is an art. You’ve got to know your bricks, mortar and the tools used to make the art of brick and mortar come alive.

• Mortar at the local hardware store is a more modern, heavier mortar. That’s because the bricks that are produced today are much harder thus needing a more modern mortar. If you have an older home, the bricks are much lighter. A do it yourself project can damage your old bricks and cause them to crack making additional repairs and cost of brick replacement and possibly water leaks.
• It is also critical that before the mortar repair project begins on your chimney, that the situation be fully checked to ensure the problem will be solved. Is there other loose mortar? Are there potential leaks anywhere else on the chimney? Are any of the bricks chipping, spalling, pieces falling off? These are key areas that need to be addressed prior to the repair starting.

Chimney Saver

One way to keep this good look of tuckpointing bricks on the chimney is by waterproofing it. Superior Chimney uses Chimney Saver, a waterproofing agent that seeps deep into the porous brick and mortar. This keeps the weather elements out and protects the home. The Chimney Saver solution works for a period of 8 to 10 years. What you are seeing in this picture is the result of the first 8 years. A new application has been placed on the brick and mortar again to maintain the good work of Superior Chimney from 8 years prior.

Contact us today at 877-244-6349 to get tuckpointing bricks on the chimney done on your home.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net