Why Is Tuckpointing Critical To Chicago Brick Homes
Chicago is known for its robust and diverse communities. Not only is Chicago considered a melting pot, but it is also home to many iconic neighborhoods.
With each neighborhood comes new cultures and communities, but the iconic brick homes stay the same. On almost every street in Chicago, you can be guaranteed to see a brick or stone building.
Every brick or stone building needs tuckpointing work done.
Tuckpointing repairs and replaces the mortar between bricks and other masonry materials to restore structural integrity. Mortar becomes damaged due to weather, age, and other factors, so it is crucial to understand when it’s time for your home to receive some TLC from a professional mason.
Let’s go over some things you should know about tuckpointing.
If you have a brick or stone structure, it will need tuckpointing work at one point or another. When you hire a professional masonry contractor, they will come out and assess the damage.
The more often you get your brick checked by a professional, the more likely you will spend less on maintenance. Waiting long times between repairs can cost you thousands of extra depending on the damage. The mason will replace the mortar between your brick and stone.
Related: How Much Does Tuckpointing Cost In Chicago?
Chicago brick homes face more challenges than other places. First off, Chicago weather varies. In the summer months, it gets very hot and humid. During the winter, we can face temperatures below freezing.
The weather significantly impacts the brick, and due to the variances in weather, brick structures might need more maintenance. Water damage can be fatal to the mortar.
Water can go into the brick when water expands and freezes during the temperature changes.
This ruins the mortar and can cause it to deteriorate. Mortar left too long can cause water seepage and extensive damage to your home. When joints are damaged, tuckpointing can repair, seal, and protect your brick structures.
If you are not sure if your home requires tuckpointing, go through this checklist to find out:
- Cracks in the mortar
If you notice cracks in the mortar between the bricks, it can indicate deterioration.
- Missing or crumbling mortar
The crumbling mortar between bricks is a clear sign that getting a professional to tuckpoint the bricks is time.
- Water Damage
Water damage inside the walls of your home may be a sign that the mortar has deteriorated to the point where water is seeping through.
4. Loose Bricks
If your building has loose or shifted bricks, it can also indicate that the mortar needs to be replaced.
- Faded or discolored mortar
If the color between the mortar is faded, it can also indicate that it’s time to call a tuckpointing professional.
If you notice any of these signs on your property, it is best to have a professional tuckpointing contractor come and inspect your building to assess if tuckpointing work is necessary.
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