Tuck Point Stone Wall

Mortar joints play a critical role in the structural integrity of a brick wall.

Tuck point stone wall.

Once the old mortar is removed the task of replacing it is relatively quick and straightforward but still requires attention to detail. If the fillets used to create the finished joint effect are even slightly off kilter the whole project will look sloppy. Older mortar made with lime and sand gives way rather nicely with a hammer and chisel. Tuckpointing is labor intensive and a good masonry contractor can determine the scope of the work that needs to be done.

Tuckpointing in general refers to the process of repairing mortar joints in stone or brick masonry walls by grinding or raking out the old mortar to a certain depth and then filling in with new mortar. Professional tuckpointing usually runs around 9 to 15 per square foot. Tuck pointing a stone foundation wall is a job that requires time patience and a few specialty tools. You will need to determine the type and color of mortar that was used to set the stone.

Newer mortar made of portland cement often has to be ground out with power tools.