What is the difference between pointing, repointing, and tuckpointing?

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What is the difference between pointing, repointing, and tuckpointing?

Pointing, repointing, and tuckpointing are masonry techniques related to the mortar joints in brick or stone structures. Each term refers to a specific process or maintenance activity involving these joints. Many people use these terms and variations when conducting a Google search for masonry or tuckpointing services, so it’s essential to understand the precise service you may need.

Pointing
Pointing refers to the initial application of mortar to the joints between bricks or stones in a masonry structure. This process is done during the construction phase. Pointing ensures that the mortar fills the joints properly and helps to seal and protect the structure from water infiltration and other environmental factors. Good pointing enhances the durability and aesthetic appeal of the masonry work.

Repointing

Repointing removes deteriorated or damaged mortar from the joints and replaces it with new mortar. This maintenance task is necessary when the original mortar has degraded over time due to weathering, movement, or other factors. Repointing helps to restore the structural integrity and appearance of the masonry. It involves careful removal of old mortar to avoid damaging the bricks or stones and then applying new mortar that matches the original in composition, color, and texture.

Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing is a specialized technique used to improve the appearance of brickwork by creating the illusion of fine joints. It involves two steps:

    Filling the joints with mortar that is similar in color to the bricks.
    Applying a thin line (often in a contrasting color) of mortar (known as the “fillet” or “tuck”) over the top of the first mortar. This line is usually done with a narrow, raised bead, giving the impression of precise and narrow joints.
What is the difference between pointing, repointing, and tuckpointing?
pointing, repointing, tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is both a functional and decorative technique. It enhances the aesthetic appeal of brickwork and repairs joints.

Summary
Pointing: Initial application of mortar used in new construction.
Repointing: Removal and replacement of old, deteriorated mortar in existing structures.
Tuckpointing: Decorative and functional technique involving two mortar colors to create the illusion of finer joints.

Each of these processes plays a crucial role in masonry structures’ construction, maintenance, and aesthetic improvement. Massey Tuckpointing & Masonry is a trusted, experienced, and preferred St. Louis tuckpointing and masonry company. It has delivered superior tuckpointing, pointing, and repointing services for nearly two decades. It is still a locally-owned, second-generation, family-owned, and veteran-owned company with deep roots in St. Louis.

Trust your home and business to Massey Tuckpointing & Masonry, and call us today to schedule your FREE, accurate, detailed, easy-to-understand bid. We never cut corners, and we always shoot you straight.

Chimney Rebuild

Chimney Rebuild Process

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What is a chimney rebuild, and what is involved?

A chimney rebuild involves dismantling and reconstructing some or all of a chimney structure. Here’s an overview of what it typically entails:

Assessment: A thorough assessment or inspection is highly recommended before any chimney rebuild begins. This typically involves inspecting the interior and exterior of the chimney to determine the extent of damage and the scope of work required.

Demolition: If the chimney is severely damaged or structurally compromised, the first step is to demolish the existing chimney. This usually involves carefully removing bricks or other materials to avoid damaging surrounding structures.

Repair or Replacement of Components: Depending on the condition of the chimney, various components may need repair or replacement. This could include rebuilding the chimney crown (the top portion), replacing damaged bricks or stones, repairing the flue liner, or replacing the chimney cap.

Rebuilding: Once any necessary repairs or replacements have been made, the chimney is rebuilt from the ground up. This involves laying new bricks or stones according to the original design or a new design if desired. Proper mortar and construction techniques are employed to ensure the structural integrity and stability of the chimney.

Repointing: In addition to rebuilding the chimney, repointing may be necessary. Repointing involves removing and replacing deteriorated mortar joints with fresh mortar to strengthen the structure and prevent water penetration.

Finishing Touches: Once the chimney has been rebuilt, finishing touches such as applying a waterproof sealant or adding decorative elements may enhance its appearance and functionality.

Cleanup: Finally, the work area is cleaned, and any debris or materials are removed.

Throughout the chimney rebuild process, it’s essential to work with experienced masonry and tuckpointing professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure that the chimney is rebuilt safely and to code. Additionally, depending on local regulations, proper permits may be required.

The average cost of a St. Louis chimney rebuild project varies widely, but a partial rebuild (from the roofline up) currently costs between a low of $1,500.00 and a high of $3,500.00. A complete chimney rebuild (the entire structure, cap, flue liner, and firebox), can be $10,000.00 or more depending on the extent of damage, dimensions of the chimney, materials required, etc.

Massey Tuckpointing & Masonry has been rebuilding chimneys, installing new flue liners, replacing chimney caps, and more for over twenty years. We have thousands of satisfied customers who demand the best for their homes and businesses, and we think you’ll agree.

Freeze-thaw tuckpointing and mortar damage

Freeze-Thaw Tuckpointing Damage

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Freeze-Thaw Tuckpointing Damage

The freeze-thaw cycle is the phenomenon resulting from sudden, extreme changes in temperature and precipitation. When ice sticks to your home’s bricks and mortar, and then temperatures suddenly warm and melt that ice, the changes cause damage.

The freeze-thaw cycle can harm tuckpointing, the mortar joints between bricks or stones in masonry. If you’ve lived in Missouri or the St. Louis Metro for any time, you know how extreme our weather is. We can go from summer to winter in 24 hours. Those kinds of extremes can cause damage to your home’s tuckpointing and masonry.

Here’s how the freeze-thaw cycle can impact tuckpointing:

Expansion and Contraction: Water seeps into the mortar joints during the freeze-thaw cycle. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water freezes and expands. This expansion exerts pressure on the mortar joints, causing them to crack or break. And, when temps warm up, as they often suddenly do in St. Louis, that thaw causes more damage.

Damage to Mortar: The repeated cycle of freezing and thawing can weaken the mortar, leading to deterioration over time. As the mortar joints degrade, they become less effective at holding the bricks or stones together, compromising the structural integrity of the masonry.

Moisture Infiltration: Cracked or deteriorated mortar joints allow water to penetrate deeper into the masonry wall. This moisture infiltration can lead to further damage, such as efflorescence (white powdery deposits), spalling (surface flaking or peeling), and mold or mildew growth.

Accelerated Deterioration: The process can accelerate once the freeze-thaw cycle begins to damage the mortar joints. As more water enters the cracks and voids in the mortar, it exacerbates the damage, leading to more extensive deterioration over time.

Need for Regular Maintenance: Due to the damaging effects of the freeze-thaw cycle, tuckpointing may require more frequent maintenance in regions with harsh climates or significant temperature fluctuations. Regular inspections and repairs can mitigate damage and prolong the lifespan of the masonry.

Massey Tuckpointing & Masonry has seen the damage our frequent freeze-thaw cycles cause to your chimney, tuckpointing, and brickwork. It’s nearly 80 degrees today, but tonight, temperatures will drop by over 40 degrees! That kind of sudden change causes damage to your tuckpointing and home or business’s exterior.

Massey Tuckpointing can help you with anything involving bricks–your chimney, exterior, brick porches, walkways, walls, and more. We have thousands of satisfied St. Louis and St. Louis Metro-Area customers from Ballwin to Shrewsbury, and all points in between.

Spring Tuckpointing.

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Winter 2022 in St. Louis is almost completely over. The constant thaw and freeze cycle, low temperatures, and winter winds have taken a toll on your St. Louis home’s tuckpointing and exterior. You may be noticing missing or deteriorating brick mortar and even lose bricks or stones.

We know that times are tough and the price of everything is up, but that doesn’t mean that tuckpointing needs to cost an arm-and-a-leg. Massey Tuckpointing, WBE business, veteran-operated, family business of skilled masonry professionals, is ready to get your St. Louis home or business looking brand new. Our estimators are getting booked up fast, but we’d love to fit your free tuckpointing estimate booked and completed as soon as possible. We never cut corners, offer a low-ball estimate, or gouge the consumer. We offer rock-solid workmanship at great prices. And, unlike many other tuckpointing outfits, we stand by what we sell. We also offer great customer service, clear and timely communications, and great work that you’ll be proud of for years to come.

We are booking up fast, so if you’re interested in receiving a prompt, accurate, transparent St. Louis tuckpointing quote, look no further. We are ready to tell you what issues you might have, what’s the best and most affordable solution, and get you booked and on your way. Whether it’s a crumbling chimney, missing chimney cap, chimney flue liner, discolored, cracking or missing bricks, or missing mortar, we’re ready.

Please call Spring at (314) 200-9488 today and get your St. Louis tuckpointing project started ASAP. When you choose Massey Tuckpointing and Masonry, you are choosing the best tuckpointers, skilled masons,Saint Louis Tuckpointing and building arts professionals that take pride in doing a great job. Let us make you a believer.

HAPPY LABOR DAY.

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We want to wish our customers, neighbors, families, and especially, our employees, a Happy Labor Day. Be safe. We’ll see you tomorrow.

Fourth of July Fireworks

Happy Fourth of July!

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Massey Tuckpointing & Masonry, a proud St. Louis-based company, want to wish our friends, family, neighbors, and employees a safe, happy, and wonderful Fourth of July. Be safe and we’ll be back Monday.

Memorial Day

Remember the Reason For Memorial Day.

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Massey Tuckkpointing and Masonry wants to take this opportunity to recognize the sacrifice of all our brave men and women in uniform. We are free due to the sacrifices of those that came before us and those that are currently protecting America. Be safe today while celebrating and take a minute to remember our fallen heroes.

Massey Tuckpointing Are Taking Steps to Keep You and Your Family Safe.

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We know these are tough times. We know that our St. Louis neighbors, friends, family, and customers are concerned about the COVID-19 virus, and for a good reason. We are monitoring the news, and like you, we’re hoping this pandemic passes, and we can all get back to normal.

At Massey Tuckpointing & Masonry, a woman-owned, veteran-operated, local, family-owned business, we’re feeling the impact too. We wanted to take this opportunity and address some of your concerns.

In an effort to maintain safety and prevent contact or spread of the COVAID-19 virus, Massey Tuckpointing wants to make you aware of several of our new safety measures:

· We are still able to work on exterior projects and eliminate any potential contact with you and your family.

· We can send you estimates, updates, and invoices via email, text, or the mail, so there’s no need to handle paper or have contact with our workers.

· Our employees all wear respirators, and that protects them and you.

· We can send you a FREE estimate without any need for physical contact.

· You can make all payments via phone or by sending us payment.

We understand that this is a challenging time for many of you, both with family and business. As small business owners ourselves, in addition to being parents and spouses, we understand, and we are in this together with you. Do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time.

Stay healthy and positive.

Remember this saying: “Tough times never last, but tough people do.”—Robert H. Schuller
Thank you for your support, and stay safe.

Michell Massey
Ryan Massey
Austin Massey

Massey Tuckpointing and Masonry: Building St. Louis Brick-By-Brick