Like all structural components of your house, your chimney too will begin to show signs of wear and tear at some time. Constant exposure to the elements makes it susceptible to damage. Due to being out of sight, chimney cleaning and maintenance tends to get neglected. As a homeowner, it’s important to ensure that your house remains stable and visually pleasing. Here’s how chimney tuckpointing can help:

What Is Tuckpointing?

The mortar in the chimney tends to last for about twenty to twenty-five years. After which, it begins to erode and break down. This corrosion and deterioration around the bricks cause gaps that allow rain, snow, and other debris to invade your chimney, resulting in extensive internal damage.

This is where tuckpointing comes in. This involves replacing the damaged mortar to ensure the bricks are well supported, stable and keep all external intrusions at bay. This is a quick way to repair the chimney without altering its current design.

 

A new house with a modern chimney in CT.

How is Tuckpointing Done?

This process is best done by a professional to ensure maximum precision. Essentially, the damaged mortar is replaced with new mortar. Here’s a list of steps:

  1. The old mortar is grounded at a specific depth
  2. These newly routed grooves are then filled with mortar
  3. Thin strips are cut in the middle of the mortar (groove formation)
  4. These grooves are then filled with an identical color to match the overall structural design.

Signs Your Chimney Needs Tuckpointing

Don’t wait for bricks and mortar to start crumbling; call an expert immediately if you notice the following signs:

  1. Presence of Mortar Flakes

Mortar flakes near the chimney mean it’s time to get it replaced. The flakes indicate that the current mortar can’t hold your chimney together. You can re-check this by scraping the mortar to see if it comes off easily.

  1. Cracks

Another thing to look out for is cracked bricks and mortar. This is a clear sign that you need to get tuckpointing done right away.

  1. Color Difference

Lastly, check for any discoloration around the area. Weathering and deterioration can result in a color difference in the mortar. Call a professional to inspect the spot and get the tuckpointing procedure started.

Get Chimney Tuckpointing in Connecticut

We recommend you schedule an inspection today to ensure your chimney is ready for the winter season. CT, Chimney Repair has been in the business for several years, catering to clients all over CT. We offer premium quality chimney repairs, chimney sweeps, chimney liners, masonry repairs, and other services in the CT region. Don’t wait any longer; get in touch with us today to learn more.