What is tuckpointing, and will I need it on a brick or stone Faribault home?

Tuckpointing, or repointing, is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from between bricks or stones and replacing it with fresh mortar. On Faribault's many older brick and limestone homes, it's a normal and expected part of ownership, not a sign something is wrong, because mortar is softer than the masonry and wears away faster, especially under our region's harsh freeze-thaw cycles and wet springs. During the inspection we look at the mortar joints throughout the exterior, the chimney, and any masonry foundation, noting where joints are recessed, crumbling, missing, or letting water in. Failing mortar is more than cosmetic: once water penetrates, it accelerates freeze-thaw damage, can spall the brick or stone face, and reaches the interior. We'll tell you whether the masonry needs tuckpointing soon, at some point, or is in good shape, so you can budget. Done properly with the right mortar, tuckpointing protects these heritage homes for decades. It's worth knowing the masonry's condition before you buy. To have a Faribault masonry home inspected, call us or build a free instant quote online.