Tuckpointing for chimneys in The Hammocks
Chimney tuckpointing in The Hammocks begins with a free inspection of every face of the stack.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Joint trouble you can spot from the yard
- Sandy grit at the base of the chimney
- Gaps opening between brick and mortar
- Thin mortar smeared over old joints
- Dark wet patches that linger on the brick
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From raking to tooling, the repointing sequence
Comparing mortar samples wet and dry
Mortar changes color as it dries. Brick industry maintenance guidance suggests comparing new samples with the existing mortar while it is wet, then again when both are fully dry. A match judged only when wet can end up noticeably lighter.
We mix sample batches when the finish matters and compare them against the chimney before committing. That takes a little time, but it avoids a whole face of joints that looked right on the day and wrong once it dried. Several batches may be needed to reach a match.
Measuring each mortar batch the same way
Color and strength both depend on consistent proportions. Brick industry guidance recommends measuring mortar materials by volume and following a set mixing procedure. Federal preservation guidance also asks for dry ingredients measured and blended before water is added.
Shovel-count mixing drifts from batch to batch. We measure each batch the same way so the joints on one face match those on the next. When a sample area has been approved, the full job uses the same measured mix. That consistency is part of what you are paying for.
Joints and washes at the chimney shoulders
Where a chimney narrows as it rises, the brick steps back in shoulders. Brick industry guidance on chimney construction prefers solid brick on those steps and notes that mortar washes there may not last as well. Water sitting on a shoulder can soak into the joints below.
We check the shoulders for cracked washes, open joints and exposed brick cores. Repointing the joints helps, but a failed wash or exposed cores may need their own repair. We explain the difference and keep each item separate on the estimate.
Joints at the roof line and the flashing
Where the chimney meets the roof, counter flashing is often set into a mortar joint. If that joint has failed, water can get behind the flashing. If the flashing itself is loose, water can reach the joints and brick below.
We look at both when the roof-line joints are in poor shape. Repointing covers the mortar. Re-forming or resetting the flashing is flashing work with its own line on the estimate. We explain how the two relate, so neither is fixed in a way that damages the other.
What the free joint inspection covers
- Scrape test of suspect joints
- Cover over any opening left at the top
- Aftercare notes for the fresh joints
- Mortar strength kept below the brick
Questions to ask before repointing
How do you decide which chimney joints need repointing?
We look at every face and test suspect joints by scraping lightly with a metal tool. Eroded, crumbling, hollow or cracked mortar is marked, along with cracks where mortar has let go of the brick. The estimate shows the areas we propose.
Do you use power tools to remove old chimney mortar?
Hand tools are the least likely to damage brick edges. Power tools can help on some horizontal joints in skilled hands, but head joints are cleared by hand. We explain the method before work starts.
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.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Chimney Chase Cover ReplacementReplace the chase top with a properly planned cover and clearly defined pipe connections.
- Gas Fireplace Repair and ServiceGet a model-specific gas fireplace service plan for the fault you are seeing or the maintenance your unit needs.
- Firebox RepairRepair the damaged fireplace chamber using an approach suited to masonry or manufactured components.
- Chimney Masonry RepairRepair affected chimney brickwork and joints with materials selected for the construction already in place.
- Chimney Sweep and Chimney CleaningArrange careful chimney cleaning in Miami with a defined scope, protected work area and useful findings.
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Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo