What Is Tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the joints between bricks or stones and replacing it with fresh mortar. It’s one of the most important — and most overlooked — maintenance tasks for any brick or stone home in Ohio.
The mortar between your bricks isn’t just filler. It’s a key part of the wall system that helps shed water, manage moisture, and maintain structural integrity. When that mortar crumbles, cracks, or washes away, water gets in. And water inside masonry walls in Ohio’s climate causes mold, structural damage, and frozen, expanding ice that accelerates the destruction every winter.
Why Do Ohio Homes Need Tuckpointing More Than Most?
Ohio’s heavy clay soils and freeze-thaw cycles (a process called moisture intrusion in masonry) create the perfect conditions for mortar deterioration. The clay soils expand when wet and contract when dry, creating pressure against foundations and masonry. Add Ohio’s temperature swings — regularly 40+ degrees within the same week — and mortar takes a beating.
Here’s the cycle: water seeps into tiny cracks in aging mortar. When temperatures drop below freezing, that water expands as ice, widening the cracks. When it thaws, more water fills the larger gaps. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles through an Ohio winter compound this damage year after year, and mortar that was solid five years ago can be crumbling out of your walls.
Older neighborhoods are especially vulnerable. If you live in Cleveland Heights, Lakewood, or Shaker Heights, Bexley or German Village, Hyde Park or Oakley, or any of Ohio’s historic brick neighborhoods, your home’s mortar has been fighting this battle for decades.
How Do You Know If Your Home Needs Tuckpointing?
Crumbling or missing mortar. Visible gaps between bricks where mortar used to be. The damage is actively worsening with every rain and freeze cycle.
The screwdriver test. Drag a flathead screwdriver or house key along a mortar joint. If mortar crumbles out like sand, it’s lost structural integrity and needs replacement.
White powdery residue on bricks (efflorescence). That chalky white substance is mineral salts being drawn out by water moving through your masonry. Your bricks are telling you there’s a moisture intrusion problem.
Cracks in mortar joints. Hairline cracks are water entry points. Cracks wider than 1/8 inch need prompt attention. Stair-step crack patterns following mortar joints can indicate foundation movement.
Water stains or dampness inside your home. Water marks on interior walls near exterior brick, or damp basement walls near the foundation, often point to failing mortar joints as a contributing source. (If you’re also seeing water issues around basement window wells, both systems may need attention simultaneously.)
What Does the Tuckpointing Process Look Like?
Detailed inspection. We examine every mortar joint to identify deterioration, test mortar hardness, determine proper removal depth, and provide a detailed assessment with photos.
Preparation and protection. We protect windows, doors, landscaping, and adjacent surfaces. Scaffolding is set up safely, and ground cover catches debris.
Mortar removal. We use dust-controlled grinding to carefully remove deteriorated mortar to proper depth — typically 3/4 inch to 1 inch — without damaging surrounding brick. Going too shallow means poor bonding. Going too aggressively cracks the brick. Our masons know the difference.
Color matching. We custom-blend mortar to match your existing color and texture. For historic homes, we test on a hidden area first. The goal is invisible repair.
Expert application. New mortar is packed in layers for maximum strength. Joints are tooled to match the existing profile — concave, flush, weathered, or whatever your home has.
Curing and cleanup. Fresh mortar needs proper curing to reach full strength. We protect new joints during this period and clean excess mortar from brick faces.
What Does Evolve Egress Tuckpoint?
We focus on foundations, exterior walls, and structural masonry — the areas where mortar failure creates the most serious water intrusion and structural risk for Ohio homes. This includes foundation walls (above and below grade), exterior brick walls and facades, window and door surrounds (where mortar meets frames), and retaining walls.
This is the same kind of precision masonry work involved in our egress window and basement walkout installations, where cutting into and working with foundation walls is core to what we do every day.
How Much Does Tuckpointing Cost in Ohio?
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Foundation repair (one wall) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Partial exterior (problem areas) | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Full home exterior | $10,000–$25,000+ |
Here’s the critical comparison: tuckpointing typically runs $10–$25 per square foot depending on access, height, scope, and mortar condition. Replacing damaged bricks — which is what happens when tuckpointing is ignored too long — can cost significantly more per square foot. And structural foundation repair from water damage caused by failed mortar can run into the tens of thousands. Tuckpointing is preventive care that helps you avoid much larger bills down the road.
How Long Does Quality Tuckpointing Last?
Professional tuckpointing with proper materials typically lasts 25 to 30 years in Ohio’s climate. Longevity depends on weather exposure, material quality, and original construction. We use mortar blends suited to Ohio conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tuckpointing the same as repointing?
Practically, yes. Technically, “repointing” means removing and replacing mortar, while “tuckpointing” refers to a specific two-color decorative technique. Most contractors and homeowners use the terms interchangeably. When we say tuckpointing, we mean the full process of grinding out failed mortar and packing in properly matched new mortar.
Can I tuckpoint my own home?
Small ground-level patches are manageable for a handy homeowner. Anything beyond that — upper stories, large sections, foundation work — is best handled by a professional. Improper removal depth cracks bricks, and wrong mortar composition can accelerate deterioration rather than stop it.
Does tuckpointing stop basement leaks?
It can address the source if failing mortar joints are allowing water to penetrate your foundation walls. But water management is a system — gutters, grading, downspout routing, window well drainage, and interior drainage all play roles. We’ll assess the full picture during our inspection and tell you honestly whether tuckpointing alone will address it or if other components need attention too.
Can tuckpointing be done around new windows or doors?
Absolutely — and it often should be. When we install replacement windows or entry doors in brick homes, the mortar around the opening is frequently the weakest point. Addressing it during the same project prevents water from finding its way around the new installation.
Note: This article is general information. Pricing and project scope can vary based on conditions. Always get a professional assessment before beginning masonry repair.
Related Reading
- Entry Door Replacement in Ohio: What Matters
- Replacement Windows in Ohio: What Actually Matters
- Window Wells in Ohio: Types, Covers, and Drainage
- Ohio Egress Window Requirements (Full Code Guide)
- Egress Window Cost in Ohio: Real Pricing Breakdown
Worried about your mortar? Schedule a free masonry inspection. We’ll assess your brick, show you exactly what needs attention, and provide a detailed quote. Catching deterioration early saves thousands.
Cleveland: (216) 941-5470 | Akron: (330) 449-0513 | Columbus: (614) 852-4608 | Cincinnati: (513) 776-1805