

Often modern hard cement mortar cannot be used in older buildings because applying modern mortar over old lime mortar can result in serious damage to the original building materials and may not last. Department of the Interior Office of Historic Preservation has established standards to preserve the appearance of older buildings and to avoid irreparable damage during repointing and in the future. Although the right material and technique are usually enough to deliver a water-tight job, it usually takes the skill of experienced professionals to use the proper mortar mix and tools to match existing mortar. Not all mortar mix is created equal and you can choose your mortar based on performance, appearance, and cost.

Mortar mix is another key component in proper tuck-pointing installation and also depends largely on the type and condition of the brick wall. Rounded and recessed joints are more popular with face brick.

Flat and angled joints are more popular with common brick. Each design has varying levels of effectiveness in repelling water and aesthetic appearance. The mortar can be flush with the mortar, angled in either direction, recessed, rounded, or in a V configuration. Joints, the visible area of mortar adjoined to the stone or brick, can be installed in any number of ways. Large holes and washed out mortar are typical signs that tuck-pointing is needed. Intense freeze and thaw cycles or shoddy installations can sometimes cause these problems sooner. Cracks, voids, crumbling mortar, or even areas of mortar from settling or foundation problems are common in masonry work from general exposure to the elements after 25-30 years. This can involve doing the complete wall, spot repairs. Tuck-pointing is the repair and replacement of mortar between broken brick or stone walls. Tuckpointing is a form of masonry that involves grinding out and re-sealing the seams on a brick structure with new mortar. Removing the old mortar and applying new mortar to reinforce deteriorated joints is called tuck pointing.
