Tuckpointing & Brick Restoration
Mortar is the weakest part of any brick wall — it's designed to wear out before the brick does. When it finally fails, water gets behind the wall instead of shedding off it. Tuckpointing grinds out the old, cracked, discolored mortar and replaces it with a fresh, properly matched joint.
Why Mortar Fails First
Mortar is a sacrificial material by design — it's softer than the brick it holds together so that, over decades, the mortar wears down instead of the brick. In southern Wisconsin, that natural wear gets accelerated by freeze-thaw cycles: water gets into a hairline crack, freezes, expands, and the crack grows a little wider every winter. Left alone long enough, failing mortar lets water behind the wall, which leads to spalling brick, interior water stains, and eventually structural movement.
Grinding out the old mortar to a consistent depth and repointing with a properly matched mix is the single highest-leverage masonry maintenance job a homeowner can do. It's far cheaper than waiting until the brick itself needs replacing.
What's Included
- Grinding out failed mortar joints to consistent depth (not just skimming over the surface)
- Mortar mixed and tinted to match your existing brick as closely as possible
- Careful masking and cleanup — no mortar smear left on your brick face
- Inspection for any brick that needs individual replacement while we're already in the wall
Where We Tuckpoint
Chimneys, foundation walls, retaining walls, and full building facades across Waukesha, Delafield, Pewaukee, Brookfield, Oconomowoc, Hartland, West Bend, and the greater Milwaukee area — from single-family homes to small commercial buildings.
Get Your Free EstimateHow do I know if I need tuckpointing?
Look for mortar that's cracked, crumbling, or noticeably recessed from the brick face, white chalky staining on the brick, or damp spots on an interior wall that lines up with an exterior brick section.
How long does tuckpointing last?
A properly done repointing job typically lasts 20-30 years, sometimes longer, depending on exposure and material match.
Stop Small Cracks Before Winter
Free on-site estimate, honest recommendation.