Comments on: Tuckpointing old brick

By: Matt Kastner

Matt Kastner — Wed, 26 May 2010 22:35:37 +0000

I am certainly no masonry expert, but when tuckpointing bricks, I know you want to wet the surface of the bricks at a minimum. The thought of soaking a brick in water makes sense as it might otherwise cause the mortar to cure to quickly. I am sure a lot of guys don’t do that, but it makes sense. As for mortar, I believe their is lime in most historic mortar mixes, but I have no idea if mixing lime with modern mortar works well. Whenever I need mortar I just go to a concrete supplier and tell them what I am doing. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help on that.

By: Donna

Donna — Wed, 26 May 2010 22:22:45 +0000

Hello,

I have someone getting ready to tuck point my older building. He says it’s important to soak any loose brick in water so that the brick doesn’t pull all the moisture from mortar. Any truth to this? Plus, he buys current mortar from the store and adds lime. Does this work?

By: Matt Kastner

Matt Kastner — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:28:31 +0000

I would recommend talking to a professional tuckpointer about that. And soon. Not only will delay end up costing you more, but someone could get hurt if a brick hit them.

By: Paul Patton of Librty Temp Gospel Cch

Paul Patton of Librty Temp Gospel Cch — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:27:06 +0000

we are haveing a problem with some of are bricks chiping and falling it is a four story building.

By: Matt Kastner

Matt Kastner — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:20:18 +0000

I have tried to find a company that does this testing and have had no luck. That being said, you can contact your local supplier (Clemens if you are in St. Louis) and they might be able to help. That being said, I have to think that it is unnecessary. Any good supplier should be able to help you figure out the mortar type by the age, style and location of house. Also, if you think about it, it goes without saying that a 100+ year old building has been repointed at least once in it’s lifespan. If you just test the outer layer of the mortar, you are only pinpointing the makeup of the previous mortar mix, not the original. I would simply contact my supplier and ask them. I really think this might be overkill.

By: Pat Eckstein

Pat Eckstein — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:18:39 +0000

Hi Mike,what is the name of the company that analyzes the mortar,also any where a guy can get info on tuckpointing brick,there is a house I`m considering repairing,I`ve layed many a brick but never have repaired any house this old(approx. 100 years old).Thanks Pat

By: Terry Harper

Terry Harper — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:47:38 +0000

I would like to know the name of a company, and contact information, where I could send a sample of my 1865 mortar for analysis.

By: Matt Kastner

Matt Kastner — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:10:56 +0000

Andy,

I would talk to the guys at Clemens, as mentioned in the posted above. If you tell them what you are doing and the age of the building I am sure they will know what kind or mortar mix you need. Best of luck with the project.

By: andy perkins

andy perkins — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:28:38 +0000

I also lay bricks for a liveing. But i am getting ready to start tuckpointing a 100 year old hotel and I not very knowledgeable about mortar mix. If you could lead me the right way. also any helpful knowledge would be very appreciated. thanks andy

By: Matt Kastner

Matt Kastner — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:22:54 +0000

I love hearing from experts on any subject and certainly don’t mind subtle solicitation, but please don’t post phone numbers. I just deleted it myself, but next time please don’t post you number.

By: mike kitsonsr

mike kitsonsr — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:26:45 +0000

I’m a 3rd generation stone/brick mason with over 19+ years as a mason./restoration specialist .the older homes use a mix that has white portland, lime and sand.If u have a older home that dates back to the early 1900 or older than the bricks will be softer than the mortar and will cause damage to the bricks.If someone has a question about a historical home they can e-mail me the question. We have been restoring stone & brick masterpieces for over 19+ years I also have a name of a company that u can send a sample of the mortar to get it tested so that u can put the correct mortar back in to the joints.thank you all and have a wonderful day.mike