New Orleans Brickwork Brigade

PROFESSIONAL MASONRY CONTRACTOR IN & AROUND NEW ORLEANS

Tuckpointing Services

Mortar doesn’t last forever. Over time, it cracks, flakes, and starts falling out between the bricks, especially after years of exposure to moisture and freezing temperatures. When that happens, the structure weakens, water gets in, and the whole wall begins to deteriorate. That’s where tuckpointing comes in.

We remove damaged mortar and carefully refill the joints to match the original style, color, and finish. Whether it’s a full wall, a chimney, or just a few trouble spots, proper tuckpointing helps reinforce the structure and restore the look of the masonry without requiring a full rebuild. It’s clean, precise work, and when done right, it extends the life of the wall by decades.

tuckpointing

MASONRY CONTRACTOR IN NEW ORLEANS

How Tuckpointing Works

Tuckpointing is a detailed, technical process that strengthens a wall and restores its original appearance. When mortar joints start to fail, the only reliable solution is to remove the old mortar and repoint the joints properly. Here’s how we approach it:

Assessment
First, we inspect the wall in detail—not just the surface joints, but the overall condition of the bricks, corners, and support areas. We check for signs of movement, moisture damage, or previous repairs that might affect the job.

Mortar Removal
Old, loose, or crumbling mortar is carefully ground out to a uniform depth—usually about ¾ of an inch. This must be done meticulously to avoid damaging the bricks. We use dust-controlled tools to keep the site cleaner and safer, especially in New Orleans’ humid environment.

Mixing and Color Matching
We mix fresh mortar to match the existing joints as closely as possible. This includes color, grain, and texture. Especially with older homes, getting this right is the difference between seamless restoration and an obvious patch job.

Repointing the Joints
The new mortar is packed tightly into the joints and tooled for a clean finish. This requires precision—lines must be consistent, smooth, and fully bonded. We don’t rush this process, and we ensure there are no gaps left behind.

Final Check and Cleanup
Once the mortar sets, we clean the surface and inspect the work for alignment, bond strength, and overall finish quality. Our goal is to leave the wall looking original—only tighter, cleaner, and prepared to stand strong against New Orleans’ humid, stormy weather.

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MASONRY CONTRACTOR IN NEW ORLEANS

Signs You Might Need Tuckpointing

Mortar joints usually fail slowly, and by the time damage is easy to spot, it’s already affecting the structure. Catching it early can save you from bigger repairs down the line. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Cracked or missing mortar between bricks

  • Visible gaps or loose joints you can flake out with a fingertip

  • Water stains on interior walls or near chimneys

  • Uneven brick lines where the wall looks like it’s shifting or settling

  • White powder or staining on the brick surface (efflorescence)

Tuckpointing is one of the most effective ways to extend the life of a masonry wall—if it’s done before the bricks start to move or break. If you’re not sure what you’re seeing, we can take a look and let you know if it’s time.

NEW ORLEANS BRICKWORK BRIGADE IS READY TO HELP

Don’t Wait for the Wall to Give — Fix Your Mortar Now

Tuckpointing isn’t just about looks — it’s about keeping your entire wall stable and watertight. When mortar starts to crack, crumble, or wash out, the bricks lose their support and your structure slowly starts to shift. Left alone, small joint failures turn into major repairs.

We grind out the failing mortar and repoint your wall with a new mix that matches both the strength and the color of the original. It’s detailed work, but it’s the only way to extend the life of the brick and avoid expensive rebuilds later.

If you’ve noticed crumbling joints, water seeping through your walls, or bricks that feel loose to the touch — don’t wait. The sooner you deal with failing mortar, the cheaper and cleaner the job is.

Call or fill out the contact form to schedule a no-pressure inspection, or send us a photo and we’ll take a look.