But maintaining that classic look isn’t as easy as it seems, especially with our harsh Midwest winters. That’s where tuckpointing comes in—a technique that’s key to keeping your brickwork in top shape. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about tuckpointing and how it can protect your home from Chicago’s unpredictable weather.
Tuckpointing is the process of removing old, deteriorated mortar from between bricks and replacing it with new mortar. This helps reinforce the structure of your brick walls and restore their original look. The technique involves creating the illusion of perfectly shaped and uniform mortar joints, which can breathe new life into older brick buildings.
Did you know that tuckpointing has been around since the late 18th century? It was originally developed in England as a way to mimic the look of fine brickwork. Back then, brickmakers would use red and white mortar to create precise, decorative joints that made even ordinary bricks look top-notch. Today, tuckpointing is all about function, though it still adds that touch of elegance to your home.