Tuckpointing is the repair that restores the mortar joints between your chimney bricks. Because failing mortar is the entry point for water — the number-one cause of chimney damage — tuckpointing is one of the most important repairs a chimney can get.
What tuckpointing is
Tuckpointing (also called repointing) means grinding out old, cracked, or missing mortar from between the bricks and replacing it with fresh, color-matched mortar. It restores both the strength and the water resistance of the masonry.
Why mortar fails
Mortar is softer than brick by design, so it wears first. Decades of rain, freeze-thaw cycles, and age cause it to crack, crumble, and recede. Once the joints open up, water gets behind the brick and the damage accelerates.
Signs you need tuckpointing
- Gaps, cracks, or missing mortar between the bricks
- Mortar that crumbles to sand when you touch it
- White efflorescence stains on the masonry
- Loose or shifting bricks
- Water stains inside near the chimney
Why timing matters
Repointing early is far cheaper than waiting. Once water has been getting behind the brick for years, you can end up with spalling brick, a leaning chimney, or a partial rebuild. Catching failing joints during an annual inspection keeps the repair small.
Mortar crumbling on your chimney?
Careful work, up-front pricing, seven days a week in La Grange and the western suburbs.
Call (708) 432-5330Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between tuckpointing and repointing?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both mean removing failed mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar to restore the joints.
How long does tuckpointing last?
Quality tuckpointing with the right mortar can last decades. Matching the mortar type to the original masonry is important for durability.
Can I tuckpoint my chimney myself?
It is risky work at height and requires the right mortar and technique. Poor tuckpointing can trap water and look worse, so it is best left to a pro.
How much does tuckpointing cost?
It depends on the extent of damage and access. We inspect, show you photos, and give the price up front — see our pricing page for what affects cost.
Written by Adam Evans, owner of Chimney Sweep Brothers and a chimney technician with 12 years of experience serving La Grange, IL and the western suburbs.