Raking and repointing chimney joints in Durrs

Joint conditions that call for repointing

Brick industry maintenance guidance lists the joint conditions that usually call for repointing. We look for each of them on every face of the chimney.

When a face shows these conditions, we mark the area and explain whether the damage is local or spread across the chimney. The pattern also hints at where water is coming from.

• Mortar eroded back from the brick face
• Mortar that crumbles or has voids
• Hairline cracks through the joints
• Cracks where mortar has separated from brick

Matching the existing joint profile

Brick industry maintenance guidance says the last layer of repointing mortar should be tooled to match the original profile. A chimney repointed with a different joint shape can look patched even when the color is right.

We look for places where the original profile survives, often in sheltered spots near the crown overhang or at the roofline. We then choose a jointer that reproduces it. If the original profile is one that holds water, we raise that before matching it, so you can decide with the facts.

Recurring white deposits and hidden water

White deposits on brick are left behind as water dries out of the masonry and carries soluble salts to the surface. The maintenance guidance from the brick industry says deposits that keep returning deserve scrutiny, because they point to water that is still getting in.

We treat recurring deposits as a sign to look for the water source before repointing. Failed joints can be part of the path, but so can the crown, the cap or the flashing. Repointing is planned once the likely source is understood, so the new joints are not soaked the same way.

Comparing chimney tuckpointing estimates

Two repointing quotes can describe very different work. One may involve raking every failed joint to proper depth and matching the mortar. Another may be a thin skim over the old joints. The numbers only compare fairly once you know which is which.

Put the same questions to everyone who quotes. Ask how deep the joints will be raked, how head joints are cleared, which mortar is used and how the color is matched. Our proposal sets those answers down on paper, so a side-by-side comparison is straightforward.