What Is Repointing?

Repointing is the terminology used in the masonry industry to describe the process of removing old, loose, cracked or crumbling mortar between bricks and replacing it with new mortar of the same appearance, texture, and plasticity of the original mixture. The most important feature of the new compound is the plasticity element. Bricks normally last for more than a century while mortar will last only for a matter of decades and has to be repaired on a regular basis. The expansion and contraction rate of new mortar has to be consistent with the pre-existing formula. If there is any variation, hairline cracks will quickly develop and cause premature deterioration.

The terms “repointing” and “tuckpointing” are often used interchangeably. A simple Google search will substantiate that there is much confusion as many established brick and masonry institutions will provide different definitions for the same term. A consensus of reputable organizations suggests the following definitions:

Pointing: The initial process of placing mortar between brickwork in order to provide strength and a protective water-tight barrier.

Repointing: A secondary process of repairing old mortar by removing the deteriorating parts and replacing it with a new mixture of the same appearance, texture, and plasticity.

Tuckpointing: A secondary process of repairing old mortar by removing the deteriorating parts and replacing it with a new mixture of the same appearance, texture, and plasticity. A subtle difference between Repointing and Tuckpointing involves the methods of removing the old mortar. Tuckpointing normally entails the use of aggressive means, such as the use of a diamond tipped grinder, in order to remove as much of the old mortar as possible. It should be noted that the original term included the use of dyes to match the color of the bricks and give the appearance that the bricks and mortar had sharp line and had been recently installed. In most geographical locations, especially in the United States, the term tuckpointing is not confined to that narrow definition.