Detroit Brickwork Brigade

PROFESSIONAL MASONRY CONTRACTOR IN & AROUND DETROIT

Tuckpointing Services

Preserve the Look, Protect the Structure

Mortar doesn’t last forever. Over time, it cracks, flakes, and starts falling out—especially after years of exposure to moisture and Detroit’s freeze-thaw cycles. When that happens, the structure weakens, water starts to seep in, and the brickwork slowly begins to fail. That’s where tuckpointing comes in.

We remove deteriorated mortar and carefully refill the joints to match the original color, texture, and finish. Whether it’s a full chimney, a wall section, or a few isolated trouble spots, proper tuckpointing reinforces the structure and restores the look without needing a full teardown.

It’s detailed, skilled work—and when done right, it can add decades to the life of your masonry.

MASONRY CONTRACTOR IN DETROIT

How Tuckpointing Works

Our Tuckpointing Process: Built for Detroit Brickwork

Tuckpointing is detailed, technical work that strengthens your walls and restores their original appearance. When mortar joints begin to fail, the only real fix is to remove them and repoint them properly. Here’s how we handle it:

Assessment

We start by inspecting the wall—not just the joints, but the bricks, corners, and any signs of movement or moisture. We also check for old repairs that could affect how the new work bonds or blends.

Mortar Removal

We carefully grind out all failing mortar to a uniform depth, usually around three-quarters of an inch. This has to be done cleanly to avoid damaging the surrounding brick. We use dust-controlled tools to keep the work area safe and tidy.

Mixing and Color Matching

We mix new mortar to match the existing joints as closely as possible in color, texture, and finish. On older Detroit homes especially, this step matters—a bad match stands out, and a good one disappears.

Repointing the Joints

New mortar is packed tightly into the joints and tooled to a clean, consistent finish. This part takes a steady hand and attention to detail—lines should be smooth, even, and well bonded. We don’t rush it.

Final Check and Cleanup

Once everything sets, we clean the surface and inspect for alignment, bonding, and overall finish quality. The end result is a wall that looks like it’s always been that way—only tighter, cleaner, and ready to take on Detroit’s weather for years to come.

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MASONRY CONTRACTOR IN DETROIT

Signs You Might Need Tuckpointing

Mortar joints usually wear out slowly, and by the time the damage is obvious, it’s already starting to affect the structure. Catching it early can save you from bigger, more expensive repairs down the road. Here’s what to look for:

  • Cracked or missing mortar between bricks

  • Gaps or joints that flake apart with light pressure

  • Water stains on interior walls or around the chimney

  • Uneven brick lines or signs the wall is starting to shift

  • White powder or surface staining on the brick (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 loosen or crack. If you’re unsure what you’re seeing, send us a photo or give us a call. We’ll take a look and tell you straight if it’s time to act.

DETROIT BRICKWORK BRIGADE IS READY TO HELP

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

Don’t Wait on Failing Mortar

Tuckpointing isn’t just aesthetics; it’s what keeps your walls stable and watertight. When mortar starts to crack, crumble, or wash out, the bricks lose their support and the structure begins to shift. Left alone, small joint failures become big, expensive problems.

We grind out the damaged mortar and repoint the wall with a new mix that matches both the strength and the color of the original. It’s careful, detailed work—but it’s the only way to extend the life of your brick and avoid a full rebuild down the line.

If you’re seeing crumbling joints, water stains, or bricks that move when you touch them, don’t wait. Catching it early keeps the job simple—and saves you money in the long run.

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