Masonry Magazine July 2003 Page. 28
Tuckpointing Tools
TUCKPOINTING
TOOL
BASICS
NEWER TOOLS of the trade make tuckpointing easier and a lot less dusty. Workers and OSHA both appreciate the difference.
By Bill Glynn Jr.
Sawtec, Inc.
Fresno, Texas
Cutting with the diamond blade requires special attention to maintain a consistent cut in the joint line.
FACTORIES AND OTHER BUILDINGS MADE OF masonry and brick are marvels, especially the older structures in industrial cities like New York and Chicago. Consider the material and labor involved with construction of these facilities, where every brick or block was placed by hand and every joint worked with a trowel - it is astounding. This is especially true when compared with today's more efficient building methods.
What is also astounding is the realization that during the expected life span of these buildings, every one of those same mortar joints will need to be cut, cleaned and refilled with fresh mortar, often several times. This restoration process, known as tuckpointing, is part of the standard maintenance package for brick and block buildings. A large specialized industry has evolved out of the need for this kind of maintenance, with contractors dedicated to the repair of masonry and brick structures.
Why Tuckpointing?
WHY PERFORM TUCKPOINTING? The most common (and obvious) reason is to remove weather- and age-deteriorated mortar from the bed and head joints on buildings, monuments, chimneys and other brick or block structures. Aging and damaged mortar joints become a waterproofing problem, and eventually a structural issue.