Tuckpointing Services in Central Illinois

What Causes Mortar to Break Down?

Mortar may seem solid, but it’s far more vulnerable than the bricks it holds together. Over time, exposure to the elements and natural shifting can cause joints to weaken, crack, or fall out entirely, leaving your masonry open to further damage.

Here are the most common causes of mortar deterioration:

Moisture and Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Rain and melting snow seep into porous mortar. When temperatures drop, the trapped water freezes and expands, causing joints to crack, crumble, and pull away from the brick.

Age and Natural Wear
Even the best mortar has a lifespan. After 20 to 30 years, it begins to weaken and lose adhesion, especially in older homes that haven’t had regular masonry maintenance.

Foundation Settlement and Structural Movement
If your home has settled or shifted over time, the stress can create visible mortar cracks and gaps. Particularly around corners, windows, and transitions between materials.

Poor Installation or Low-Quality Materials
Inconsistent mortar mixes or improper installation can lead to premature failure. Tuckpointing allows us to remove these weak spots and rebuild with durable, properly bonded mortar.

Tuckpointing addresses these underlying issues before they turn into major repairs. By reinforcing your brickwork where it’s most vulnerable, we help preserve the strength, value, and appearance of your home without tearing it apart or starting from scratch.

Our Tuckpointing Process

Brick-by-Brick Repairs That Last

When you hire Force Masonry Construction, you’re not getting a surface patch; you’re getting a skilled restoration that preserves your structure for years to come. Here’s how we handle tuckpointing the right way:

1. Inspection and Assessment
   We start by evaluating your brick or block structure to determine where mortar has failed, what’s causing it, and how deep the damage goes. No guesswork. Just honest, informed recommendations.
2. Mortar Removal (Grinding Out Joints)
   Our team carefully removes the old, deteriorated mortar using precision tools. This step prevents further damage and creates a clean channel for the new mortar to bond properly.
3. Fresh Mortar Installation
   New mortar is packed into the joints by hand, matched in color, strength, and texture to blend seamlessly with your existing masonry. We use high-quality mixes designed to withstand weather and wear.
4. Finishing and Cleanup
   Once cured, the joints are finished cleanly and consistently. We clean the surface, inspect the final result, and leave your home looking sharp, solid, and protected.

Where Tuckpointing Is Used

Targeted Repairs for Chimneys, Walls, and Foundations

Tuckpointing isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix. It’s a precise repair used wherever brick or block mortar is beginning to fail. At Force Masonry Construction, we tailor each job to the structure and the damage, ensuring long-lasting results and seamless appearance.

Chimneys
Exposed to constant weather and temperature changes, chimneys are especially prone to mortar erosion and water infiltration. We repair loose joints and seal gaps to protect against future leaks and collapse. (Explore Chimney Tuckpointing →)

Retaining Walls
Cracked or missing mortar on retaining walls can compromise both the structure and the look of your property. Our tuckpointing services restore strength and stop damage before it spreads. (Explore Retaining Wall Tuckpointing →)

Brick Foundations
Foundation mortar failure can lead to serious structural concerns. We repair deteriorated joints and help stabilize aging brick foundations from the ground up. (Explore Foundation Tuckpointing →)