Bricklaying: Understanding the Tuckpointing of Brick

Bricklaying is a highly skilled trade. It requires years of training and experience to master the various techniques, tools, and skills that are required to build strong brick walls. The tuckpointing technique is one such skill that takes much time and effort to perfect. Tuckpointing involves shaving off the top layer of mortar from between bricks in order to expose a fresh surface for new mortar, which seals out moisture. This blog post will explore the process of tuckpointing, as well as some common problems associated with this type of work..

The process of tuckpointing begins by removing the top layer of mortar from between bricks. This exposes a fresh surface on which new mortar can be laid down and will help keep moisture out. The bricklayer then cuts away any loose material or excess cement that might have spilled over onto the face of the brick, before applying new mortar to cover up these imperfections and create an even finish with sharp corners. Mortar is applied in vertical stripes across the joint until it becomes flush with the wall using any tool such as a mason’s hoe, pointing trowel, or plasterer’s hawk (depending on region). After this initial coat has set for 24 hours it can receive another two coats without waiting again for another to dry or actually become firmed up.

Tuckpointing is a process in bricklaying that involves applying mortar to fill any cracks or gaps where mortar has been lost, and also as decoration on some buildings. It is called “tucking” because it was originally done by inserting tucks (a narrow strip) of material into voids caused by cracking due to shrinkage during drying or construction defects such as uneven bedding surfaces between courses. The result can be seen around old chimneys and at corners where two walls meet with an exposed corner; this edge would often be made more attractive by using contrasting coloured mortar, for example dark against light bricks so that the contrast could be seen from distance.