Masonry/Tuckpointing

Chicago is known for its architecture. No two buildings are alike. Chicagoland is full of gorgeously preserved brownstones and brick homes. A huge part of preserving the natural beauty of these timeless homes is the upkeep of the masonry and tuckpointing. Tuckpointing is essential to keep water from seeping into cracks in the building. Water intrusion can lead to a number of issues including mold. In addition, failure to properly care for your tuckpointing could cause serious structural damage to your home. Follow this guide for signs that you may be in need of a consultation with a masonry contractor.

Noticeable signs that you may need tuckpointing are: 

1. Cracks or crumbling mortar including stained or missing mortar

Mortar deterioration occurs due to adverse weather conditions, expansion and contraction with change in temperatures, and as part of the natural aging process. Harsher climates and weather conditions will lower the lifetime of the mortar. 

Having your mortar inspected periodically for cracks and crumbling will safeguard the structural integrity of your home and prevent larger issues down the road. When working with a masonry contractor, be sure you understand the process of repairing your mortar. Your contractor should never put new mortar over old mortar. Cosmetically, the façade will be “repaired,” but deterioration will continue at an accelerated rate as no real repair was completed. The correct process to repair mortar is to first remove every trace of the old cracked, flaking, and decaying mortar from all the gaps in the brick. The remaining mortar must be cleaned and prepped for the new mortar to be applied. Once the new mortar has been pressed into the brickwork it requires proper curing time.

2) Spalling bricks

Brick is one of the strongest building materials available; however, under the right conditions spalling can occur. Spalling is when the face of a brick crumbles and falls away from the body of the masonry. Spalling usually starts as a small crack and grows over time into larger crevices that continue to fail and deteriorate the brick.

Spalling can result from moisture intrusion from rain, snow, or wet soil conditions. Bricks are extremely porous and tend to absorb surrounding moisture. Because of their ability to hold moisture, they expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate. As water in the brick freezes, it causes expansion, and as the water thaws, the volume decreases. This cycle can cause bricks to crack and spall. Other causes of spalling include pressure washing with too much power (low pressure between 500-1,000 PSI should be used when cleaning brick walls along with keeping an adequate distance from the masonry surface), improper mortar installation, and applying non-breathable masonry sealants.

Spalling is not a cosmetic issue. Deteriorating bricks, especially around the foundation, pose a huge structural issue that should be addressed immediately.

3) Efflorescence

Efflorescence occurs when water is present in or on porous surfaces such as brick, concrete, stone, or stucco. It has a white or gray tint and consists of salt deposits that appear after the water has evaporated. Efflorescence can occur both outside and indoors. While efflorescence is a cosmetic issue and can be effectively cleaned off the brick surface, it is a telltale sign of a potential moisture problem.

It is important to be able to tell the difference between efflorescence and staining. Staining can vary in color where efflorescence is typically a white powdery substance. 

To further evaluate the cause of the efflorescence, work with a masonry contractor who will assess the structure. If the building is less than 1 year old, the efflorescence was most likely caused by moisture intrusion during the construction process. If the building is older than 1 year, you should do a thorough examination for possible leaks. Assess what is in the vicinity of the efflorescence. Is there a water source nearby?  Some common water sources include condensation within a wall and leaky pipes or clogged drains which causes the water to travel through the masonry. Check the building’s condition. Cracks in the mortar may be the cause for water intrusion and would require tuckpointing services to repair. 

4) Leaning chimney

A brick chimney can weigh more than 8,500 pounds. A leaning chimney is a sign of a more serious problem including possible structural and foundation issues. The most common causes of a leaning chimney are moisture damage, improper footing, and masonry damage. Deteriorating bricks and/or mortar can cause the upper part of your chimney to slant. There are several repair options that can be considered before jumping to full replacement. A trusted masonry contractor will be able to provide a full assessment of the damage and proper course of action to repair.

5) Water infiltration seen inside the home

Water is one of the biggest threats to the integrity of a home’s foundation. Water infiltration and water damage behind masonry is not uncommon. If you notice water coming through your brick when it rains, call a masonry contractor immediately. Another source of water intrusion could be landscaping soil sitting too high on your foundation. High levels of water retention in the soil will erode the water-resistant barrier of your brick and lead to interior water seepage. Routinely check your gutters and downspouts. It is imperative that water be properly drained away from your home’s foundation. Another frequent cause of water damage occurs when the masonry installer does not scrape away excess mortar from the back of the brick. This mortar block on the back of the brick prevents water from traveling through the natural barrier of the brick to drain properly. The water barrier will then erode after constant exposure to moisture. 

While brick is a popular choice for building material due to its durability, fire protection, longevity, energy efficiency, and sustainability, it does require routine maintenance. Have your masonry regularly inspected and repaired to prevent unwanted water intrusion and to maintain the structural integrity of your home. A qualified masonry and tuckpointing contractor can guide you through the process to insure your greatest investment is protected for decades to come.