Tuckpointing the chimney on your home in Colee Hammock
Dust, grit and old mortar are cleaned up and hauled away when the job is done.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Chimney mortar damage worth a closer look
- Gaps opening between brick and mortar
- Small holes and voids in the joints
- Plants rooting in the mortar joints
- Thin mortar smeared over old joints
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What good tuckpointing looks like
Tuckpointing and repointing on your estimate
Federal preservation guidance notes that repointing is the accurate name for replacing deteriorated mortar, and that tuckpointing strictly describes a decorative raised joint. In everyday use, the two words usually describe the same chimney job.
What matters is what the estimate says will happen. It should name the faces and joints included, how deep the old mortar will be removed and what the new mortar is meant to match. We write it that way, whichever word you used when you called.
Why fast grinders can damage brick edges
A grinder can clear a joint quickly, and it can also chip brick corners and cut into the brick above or below. Federal preservation guidance warns that power saws used on thin brick joints almost always cause that damage. Once cut, the brick edge cannot be restored.
Damaged edges also make joints look wider than they are and leave thin, fragile mortar at the face. We keep grinders away from joints where they would harm the brick. If a power tool helps on some horizontal joints, final cleaning is still done by hand.
Damaged bricks uncovered during raking
Raking out mortar sometimes shows that a brick is cracked through or has lost its face. Mortar packed around it does not restore the brick. That unit needs replacing, which is a different repair.
When that happens, we stop and show you the brick. We explain whether it can wait or needs replacing now, and price it as a separate item. The repointing continues on the agreed joints. Nothing is added to the job without your approval, however small the extra work looks.
What a tuckpointing estimate should show
A useful repointing estimate says where, how deep and with what. It should name the faces or areas included, the raking method, the mortar and how it will be matched. Protection, curing care and cleanup belong on it too.
Our written estimate follows that pattern, with upfront pricing and no hidden fees. Brick replacement, crown or flashing work appear as separate items with reasons. You approve the lines you want. If something changes once raking starts, we stop and explain before adding anything.
Separate lines for joints and bricks
- Dust control and covers during raking
- Plant growth cut back from the joints
- Cover over any opening left at the top
- Aftercare notes for the fresh joints
What people ask about chimney mortar
How long does new mortar take to cure?
Mortar hardens gradually and keeps gaining strength after it looks set. We keep new joints damp and shaded as needed and tell you what to avoid while it cures, such as washing the brick or using cleaners on it.
Does tuckpointing stop water getting into the chimney?
It can, when open joints are the path water takes. Water also enters through the crown, cap, flashing or cracked brick. We explain what the joints contribute, and when this job calls for a hose water test we tell you why.
What details help when I call about chimney mortar?
Tell us which side of the chimney looks worst, whether grit or mortar pieces have fallen and whether water shows inside. Mention earlier repointing or coatings. These details help us plan where to look first.
We received your request
Our team will contact you to arrange your inspection.
Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo