Solid Tuckpointing Vs. Spot Tuckpointing: Is There A Difference?

Though professional masons understand the difference between solid and spot tuckpointing, most homeowners probably don’t. (For the uninitiated: tuckpointing is the process of replacing old or worn mortar between bricks with new mortar mix.) After all, the distinction between the two may seem minor. However, knowing when to request solid tuckpointing vs spot tuckpointing could actually save you a considerable amount of money –– and spare you some major headaches. In layman’s terms, solid tuckpointing refers to the process of tuckpointing an entire wall, exterior, or building. Spot tuckpointing, conversely, involves only fixing a small area of a brick (or stone) fixture. Here we’ll explain the pros and cons of both, when it makes sense to spot tuckpoint, and when you should call a professional for solid tuckpointing assistance:

Spot Tuckpointing

Unsurprisingly, spot tuckpointing is a great way to deal with external damage on a wall. So, for instance, if something were to collide with the side of your home and knock a few bricks loose or cause a small divot in your wall, spot tuckpointing will help you make your exterior look good as new. In addition, spot tuckpointing may be required if a small section of your exterior is exposed to more wind, rain, and/or freezing temperatures than the rest of your home. Furthermore, individuals who are looking to sell their home and improve its appearance quickly may want to consider spot tuckpointing to spruce up any faded or cracked patches.

Solid Tuckpointing

Solid tuckpointing can act as a brick-repair method and a practice to prevent brick deterioration in the first place. Most experts recommend solid tuckpointing on new brick homes after roughly 20-25 years (depending on weather and several other factors). However, as a brick home ages, you may need to tuckpoint more often to maintain the integrity of a wall. It’s also best to choose solid tuckpointing if you’re looking to enhance the overall appearance of your home. Lastly, if you’re concerned about potential long-term foundational issues, then solid tuckpointing is the way to go.

Spot vs Solid Tuckpointing DIY

As we covered in a previous blog, it is possible to tuckpoint on your own. And dedicated homeowners can indeed spot tuckpoint to positive effect. However, solid tuckpointing is a time-and-labor intense project that is better left to the professionals. In addition, messing up while spot tuckpointing can contribute to discolorations and inconsistent blotches in brick exteriors, as well as the potential for further cracks and damage.

Contact a Professional

Brick homes are classic and durable, and a little maintenance will go a long way to protecting your house for years to come. So don’t put off vital upkeep like tuckpointing if your home is overdue for a “check-up.” Remember, when you partner with Brickworks Property Restoration, we’ll make certain that your tuckpointing project goes as smoothly as possible –– in terms of both aesthetics and structure. Don’t wait to address a potential problem with your home’s facade –– call us today at 586-868-3234!