Tuckpointing & Repointing Services

Tuckpointing is the process of removing damaged or deteriorating mortar from between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. The term comes from an old technique where masons would fill joints with mortar that matched the brick color, then add a thin line of contrasting mortar to create crisp, uniform joint lines. Today, most people use tuckpointing and repointing interchangeably to describe any mortar joint repair work.

Your mortar joints do more than just hold bricks together. They act as a buffer that absorbs movement and protects bricks from moisture. Over time, mortar breaks down faster than brick because it is designed to be the sacrificial element. When mortar fails, water gets into your walls, bricks start to crack and spall, and the structural integrity of your masonry weakens. That is why regular tuckpointing is not just about appearance. It is about protecting your investment and preventing expensive repairs down the road.

Here in Amarillo, the freeze-thaw cycles we experience every winter accelerate mortar deterioration. Water seeps into tiny cracks, freezes, expands, and breaks the mortar apart. Add in our intense summer heat and occasional severe storms, and your mortar takes a beating year after year. At AMM Amarillo Masonry, we understand these local conditions and know how to restore mortar joints so they last. Whether you need a small section repaired or your entire home's exterior tuckpointed, we have the skills and materials to do it right.

Most homeowners do not think about their mortar until they notice something wrong. The good news is that mortar problems are easy to spot once you know what to look for. Here are the warning signs that tell you it is time to call a professional for tuckpointing services.

Common Signs of Mortar Deterioration

• Crumbling or powdery mortar: If you can easily scrape mortar out of the joints with a screwdriver or your finger, it has lost its strength and needs to be replaced.
• Gaps and missing mortar: When mortar falls out completely, you will see gaps between bricks. This lets water penetrate deep into your walls.
• Cracks in mortar joints: Hairline cracks grow over time and allow water intrusion, which leads to more serious damage.
• White staining (efflorescence): Those chalky white deposits on brick surfaces indicate that water is moving through your mortar joints and bringing salts to the surface.
• Loose or shifting bricks: When mortar fails completely, bricks can move or even fall out of the wall.
• Interior water damage: Stains on interior walls, damp spots, or mold growth near exterior brick walls often trace back to failing mortar joints.

If you notice any of these signs, do not wait. Mortar damage only gets worse over time, and the longer you wait, the more expensive the repair becomes. Catching deterioration early means we can tuckpoint just the affected areas instead of having to repair extensive brick damage or even rebuild entire sections of wall.

We recommend having your masonry inspected every three to five years, especially if your home is more than 20 years old. We offer free inspections where we check all your mortar joints and give you an honest assessment of what needs attention now and what can wait. Our goal is to help you maintain your masonry before small problems turn into big ones.

Tuckpointing looks simple, but doing it correctly requires skill, the right tools, and quality materials. We follow a proven process that ensures your mortar joints look great and last for decades. Here is what you can expect when you hire us for your tuckpointing project.

Step One: Inspection and Mortar Analysis

We start by inspecting your masonry to determine the extent of mortar damage and identify any underlying problems. We also analyze your existing mortar to understand its composition, strength, and color. This matters because we need to match the new mortar to the old, both in appearance and in performance characteristics. Using mortar that is too hard can actually damage softer historic bricks, while mortar that is too soft will not hold up.

Step Two: Careful Removal of Old Mortar

Next, we carefully grind or chisel out the deteriorated mortar to a depth of about three-quarters of an inch to one inch. This depth ensures the new mortar has enough material to bond properly and resist weathering. We use specialized grinders and hand tools to remove mortar without damaging the surrounding bricks. This step takes patience and skill because rushing it can chip brick edges or weaken the structure.

Step Three: Mixing and Applying New Mortar

Once the joints are clean and prepared, we mix fresh mortar to match your existing color and composition. We apply the mortar in layers, compacting it tightly into the joints to eliminate air pockets. Proper compaction is crucial for long-term durability. After filling the joints, we tool them to match the profile of your original mortar, whether that is a concave, flush, or weathered joint style.

Step Four: Curing and Cleanup

Mortar needs time to cure properly, which means keeping it moist for several days in hot weather and protecting it from rain or freezing temperatures. We monitor weather conditions and take steps to ensure proper curing. Once the mortar has set, we clean the work area, removing all debris and dust. We also clean any mortar smears from brick faces, leaving your masonry looking crisp and professional.

The result is mortar joints that not only look like new but also perform like new, keeping water out and your structure sound. We stand behind our tuckpointing work because we know it is done right. Whether you need a small chimney tuckpointing or repointing for your entire home, you can count on us for quality workmanship.