Grinding & Tuckpointing

Grind. Re-Point. Tuckpoint!

Grinding & Tuckpointing

Grind. Re-Point. Tuckpoint!

What is Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing Chicago properties is often described using 3 different terms. Many of us use these interchangeably as if they mean the same thing although they are quite different from one another. 

Tuckpointing, also known as tuck pointing, is a technique used to repair or restore brick structures. The process involves carefully removing the damaged or deteriorated mortar from the joints between the joints between the bricks and replacing it with new mortar. The new mortar used for the process is typically composed of two separate mixtures, one that closely matches the color of the bricks and another contrasting thinner line.

 

During the tuckpointing process, the color matched mortar is used to fill the joint completely and the contrasting colored mortar is then carefully applied on top, creating a thin line. This technique creates the illusion of a fine, tight joint between the bricks and gives the wall a clean and uniform appearance.

Pointing is the process of filling and shaping the visible part of the mortar joint between masonry units. It is a crucial step in maintaining the structural integrity of a building and preventing water damage. In older buildings, pointing may need to be done periodically to infill missing mortar.

Repointing is the process of removing (grinding out) old, damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar. Unlike pointing, where only the surface of the joint is repaired, repointing involves removing a significant amount (usually ¾ of an inch) of the old mortar and replacing it. This process is typically more extensive and invasive than pointing, and is usually only done when the existing mortar is severely damaged or missing.

Many people use tuckpointing as a blanket term when requesting a service, when they are in fact referring to re-pointing – the most commonly required service for Chicago brick buildings. 

Read More Read Less

What is Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing Chicago properties is often described using 3 different terms. Many of us use these interchangeably as if they mean the same thing although they are quite different from one another. 

Tuckpointing, also known as tuck pointing, is a technique used to repair or restore brick structures. The process involves carefully removing the damaged or deteriorated mortar from the joints between the joints between the bricks and replacing it with new mortar. The new mortar used for the process is typically composed of two separate mixtures, one that closely matches the color of the bricks and another contrasting thinner line.

 

During the tuckpointing process, the color matched mortar is used to fill the joint completely and the contrasting colored mortar is then carefully applied on top, creating a thin line. This technique creates the illusion of a fine, tight joint between the bricks and gives the wall a clean and uniform appearance.

Pointing is the process of filling and shaping the visible part of the mortar joint between masonry units. It is a crucial step in maintaining the structural integrity of a building and preventing water damage. In older buildings, pointing may need to be done periodically to infill missing mortar.

Repointing is the process of removing (grinding out) old, damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar. Unlike pointing, where only the surface of the joint is repaired, repointing involves removing a significant amount (usually ¾ of an inch) of the old mortar and replacing it. This process is typically more extensive and invasive than pointing, and is usually only done when the existing mortar is severely damaged or missing.

Many people use tuckpointing as a blanket term when requesting a service, when they are in fact referring to re-pointing – the most commonly required service for Chicago brick buildings. 

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Why Would Your Chicago Bricks
Need Tuckpointing

In Chicago, Your mortar will erode and eventually crack due to a number of reasons

Why Would Your Chicago Bricks
Need Tuckpointing

In Chicago, Your mortar will erode and eventually crack
due to a number of reasons

If Your joints are defective, water will infiltrate Your brick walls and quickly deteriorate several components of Your home, not only Your bricks and joints. This can result in brick damage, lintel(link) corrosion, interior leakage, or even structural masonry damages.

If Your joints are defective, water will infiltrate Your brick walls and quickly deteriorate several components of Your home, not only Your bricks and joints. This can result in brick damage, lintel(link) corrosion, interior leakage, or even structural masonry damages.

Good to Know

The Chicago Tuckpointing Process

Remove the Old Mortar

Using a hammer and chisel, rotary hammer, or an angle grinder with a mortar raking blade, carefully remove the old mortar from the bricks. Be sure to remove all the loose and deteriorated mortar, taking care not to damage the bricks themselves.

The depth of the joint grinding is a crucial factor to consider when tuckpointing. If the joints are not ground out enough, the new mortar will not bond properly with the existing brick or stone. 

Washing

Once the surfaces have been cleared of masonry debris, the next step is to thoroughly wet the surfaces with water. The purpose of wetting the surfaces is to ensure that they are clean, which will help the new mortar to adhere better.

Apply the New Mortar

The third step in the repointing process is the application of new mortar, which is a slow and precise effort. Special hand tools such as a pointing trowel, a tray, and a mortar jointer are used to ensure that the joints are filled flush with the wall surface. Giving mortar joints the desired shape and brushed appearance, resulting in a clean, smooth and visually pleasing final effect. 

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The Benefits of Maintaining Your Mortar – What Happens if you Don’t?

Maintaining the mortar joints in Your building is crucial for preserving its structural integrity, increasing its value and preserving its aesthetic appeal. Tuckpointing is a process that can help to repair and restore the mortar joints in masonry structures, such as brick or stone buildings. However, the success of a tuckpointing project can be impacted by several factors.

The quality of the mortar is another important factor to consider. Using low-quality mortar can result in a weaker bond between the new and existing mortar, which can lead to cracking and failure over time. It’s important to use the right type of mortar for the job and to match the color and texture of the existing mortar as much as possible.

The temperature at the time the work is performed is also an important factor. Mortar should be applied in temperatures between 40-90 degree Fahrenheit, as applying it in extreme temperatures can result in poor curing and affect the strength of the bond between new and existing mortar.

Finally, the condition of Your bricks is a key factor in the success of a tuckpointing project. If the bricks are cracked or damaged, they may need to be repaired or replaced before tuckpointing can be done. This will ensure that the new mortar is applied to a sound and stable surface, resulting in a better bond and a longer-lasting repair.

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How Much Does Tuckpointing and Repointing Cost?

Tuckpointing and repointing are important steps in maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of Your building. Many homeowners and property managers may be wondering about the cost of these services in Chicago. The cost of Chicago tuckpointing (repointing) can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the building, access to damaged sections, and exposure to public ways.

On average, Chicago tuckpointing (repointing) can cost anywhere from $9 to $21 per square foot. These estimates are based on the assumption that Your bricks are in good condition and that only the mortar needs to be repaired. If the brick or stone is also damaged, the cost may be higher. The cost of tuckpointing and repointing can also be affected by the type of materials used and the difficulty of the job.

These estimates are averages and the actual cost may vary depending on the specific project.  

To give You a better understanding of Chicago tuckpointing (repointing) and pricing please refer to the examples below. These examples may have been completed within the last couple of years and are provided using current pricing and estimates rather than what they may have cost in the past. This is done to give You the best and most accurate idea possible.

Read More Read Less

Good to Know

The Chicago Tuckpointing Process

Remove the Old Mortar

Using a hammer and chisel, rotary hammer, or an angle grinder with a mortar raking blade, carefully remove the old mortar from the bricks. Be sure to remove all the loose and deteriorated mortar, taking care not to damage the bricks themselves.

The depth of the joint grinding is a crucial factor to consider when tuckpointing. If the joints are not ground out enough, the new mortar will not bond properly with the existing brick or stone. 

Washing

Once the surfaces have been cleared of masonry debris, the next step is to thoroughly wet the surfaces with water. The purpose of wetting the surfaces is to ensure that they are clean, which will help the new mortar to adhere better.

Apply the New Mortar

The third step in the repointing process is the application of new mortar, which is a slow and precise effort. Special hand tools such as a pointing trowel, a tray, and a mortar jointer are used to ensure that the joints are filled flush with the wall surface. Giving mortar joints the desired shape and brushed appearance, resulting in a clean, smooth and visually pleasing final effect. 

Read More Read Less

The Benefits of Maintaining Your Mortar – What Happens if you Don’t?

Maintaining the mortar joints in Your building is crucial for preserving its structural integrity, increasing its value and preserving its aesthetic appeal. Tuckpointing is a process that can help to repair and restore the mortar joints in masonry structures, such as brick or stone buildings. However, the success of a tuckpointing project can be impacted by several factors.

The quality of the mortar is another important factor to consider. Using low-quality mortar can result in a weaker bond between the new and existing mortar, which can lead to cracking and failure over time. It’s important to use the right type of mortar for the job and to match the color and texture of the existing mortar as much as possible.

The temperature at the time the work is performed is also an important factor. Mortar should be applied in temperatures between 40-90 degree Fahrenheit, as applying it in extreme temperatures can result in poor curing and affect the strength of the bond between new and existing mortar.

Finally, the condition of Your bricks is a key factor in the success of a tuckpointing project. If the bricks are cracked or damaged, they may need to be repaired or replaced before tuckpointing can be done. This will ensure that the new mortar is applied to a sound and stable surface, resulting in a better bond and a longer-lasting repair.

Read More Read Less

How Much Does Tuckpointing and Repointing Cost?

Tuckpointing and repointing are important steps in maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of Your building. Many homeowners and property managers may be wondering about the cost of these services in Chicago. The cost of Chicago tuckpointing (repointing) can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the building, access to damaged sections, and exposure to public ways.

On average, Chicago tuckpointing (repointing) can cost anywhere from $9 to $21 per square foot. These estimates are based on the assumption that Your bricks are in good condition and that only the mortar needs to be repaired. If the brick or stone is also damaged, the cost may be higher. The cost of tuckpointing and repointing can also be affected by the type of materials used and the difficulty of the job.

These estimates are averages and the actual cost may vary depending on the specific project.  

To give You a better understanding of Chicago tuckpointing (repointing) and pricing please refer to the examples below. These examples may have been completed within the last couple of years and are provided using current pricing and estimates rather than what they may have cost in the past. This is done to give You the best and most accurate idea possible.

Read More Read Less

Your Journey Starts Here

Explore Our Collaborative Process

Join hands with Jagra Masonry
for Your next project.

Your Journey Starts Here

Explore Our Collaborative Process

Join hands with Jagra Masonry
for Your next project

What Set’s Us Apart

Where Professionalism Meets
Personalized Service

What Set’s Us Apart

Where Professionalism Meets
Personalized Service

Premium Service

At Jagra Masonry, we pride ourselves on providing premium service. Our dedicated workers are committed to delivering consistent, high-quality work to our valued customers. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we strive to exceed Your expectations with every project.

Communication

When You choose Jagra Masonry, our dedication to quality ensures clear communication and transparent services, keeping You informed and at ease. We aim for outstanding results, always prioritizing Your satisfaction and keeping You well-informed throughout the process.

Fast Response Time

You can trust our service team to respond promptly to Your inquiries, ensuring Your needs are addressed quickly and effectively. We prioritize Your satisfaction and are committed to providing attentive support tailored to Your requirements.

Testimonials

Experience The Difference” Hear from
Satisfied Chicago Homeowners

Testimonials

Experience The Difference” Hear from
Satisfied Chicago Homeowners

Stacy KellyStacy Kelly
18:57 16 Oct 24
Great process all around. Good prices, quality work done on time. Couldn’t be happier!
Bill BixbyBill Bixby
17:10 16 Oct 24
Jagra gave me a fair quote. Started and finished chimney work in one day. Very pleased with the look of the chimney. Very good work. I highly recommend Jagra.
1535wayne1535wayne
16:42 16 Oct 24
Perfect experience. Communicate with precision. Always punctual work completed as specified. A wonderful experience in contracting and highest quality service
Pedro PajaresPedro Pajares
16:55 16 Sep 24
The best quality Masonry work. They were contracted to do work on an older health facility and they knocked it out of the park! We will definitely be using them for all of our future masonry needs.
Andri MileAndri Mile
02:46 05 Sep 24
Andrew CoatesAndrew Coates
14:23 29 Aug 24
Jagra gave us a thoughtful and thorough plan to remedy a badly deteriorated wall that was allowing water penetration. They worked incredibly hard and did a great job in difficult, hot weather while being respectful of the neighbor's property as well. Couldn't be more pleased and we will look to them for future work as well
Elizabeth Del CastilloElizabeth Del Castillo
01:51 16 Aug 24
Very quick and professional. Great communication and reliable. I would definitely recommend this company. I will be using for all future brick work. Thanks for the fantastic work! Look at the before and after
LizLiz
18:07 12 Jul 24
Very profession and polite. Showed up on time for both the quoting of the job and doing the tuck pointing on the house. Great communication. Cleaned up after. Very happy with their worker.
David KomieDavid Komie
12:52 10 Jul 24
Jagra Masonry was an excellent choice for my tuck-pointing needs. They came out and gave a thorough estimate, and then were in frequent and close communication both before and after the job. They followed through on every aspect of the task, did the job in a professional, efficient way. I was thoroughly satisfied with the result.
Jean JohnsonJean Johnson
16:08 09 Jul 24
Jagra Masonary completed the job at my home with professionalism. They worked diligently and with expertise. The job was completed on time. They cleaned up and left the site tidy. I'm completely satisfied with the work done!!!!
Bradley GottloebBradley Gottloeb
23:23 02 Jul 24
Used Jagra to do some repair work on tuck pointing. They were the most responsive to my initial inquiry, the fastest to be able to schedule a time to come out and estimate, and their estimate was the most organized. It was easy to schedule the job once we agreed on the estimate and their work is great. We’ll be hiring them to tuck point our entire wall when it’s time. Highly recommend.
barbara coughlinbarbara coughlin
20:58 29 Jun 24
The chimney on our 1960 house had some crumbling bricks caused by water damage. Jacob gave us a quote to rebuild it and set up a date. On the scheduled date they arrived, set up all their equipment and got to work, cleaning up the area and causing no damage to our vegetable garden below. The mortar dried and today they returned to paint it ... good as new. Jacob communicated with us every step of the way. Great service + good workmanship. Very happy customers.
Joel TabangJoel Tabang
22:44 21 Jun 24
The work was done very well, and in a timely manner. Our inquiries were also answered very quickly.
Anastasia BelozertsevaAnastasia Belozertseva
17:02 21 Jun 24
We had a great experience with Jagra Masonry and would hands down use them again! We had an urgent repair involving rebuilding an CMU wall, and fixing a large crack in our garage, and we are so happy we moved forward with Jagra Masonry. Given the urgency, Jacob was able to come out and provide us with an estimate within a day or two of our first conversation. We received a few estimates, and Jagra’s was one of the most detailed one, outlining the full scope of work, and all the necessary information I needed for insurance purposes. I had a number of follow-up questions regarding the technique and materials used, and they were always very patient and gracious with me, explaining the process and answering all of my questions. We were able to schedule the project within the timeframe I was hoping for, and the crew was on time, professional, and respectful. They also went above and beyond for us in helping to pick out a garage utility door replacement, and arranging its pickup, even thought it’s not their area of expertise. We are very happy with the outcome and would highly recommend considering it for your next masonry project!
Chesly ManlyChesly Manly
23:03 19 Jun 24
After receiving five bids, we selected Jagra Masonry to rebuild and waterproof two parapet walls and replace several lintels on an apartment building and we couldn't be more satisfied with the result. They provided a detailed estimate outlining exactly what work would be done. They were able to start the job quickly and complete the work promptly and neatly. The rebuilt parapet walls are now waterproof and the masons were able to clean and reuse much of the existing brick so you can hardly tell where the work was done. We would highly recommend Jagra Masonry for any parapet wall repair.
patrick komanpatrick koman
10:45 20 May 24
Not an inexpensive company to use. Not flawless either. The brickwork i had dine was impressive. The concrete work was very nice as well...but that crew made a few bad decisions. That said, after some chats, Jagra came back and made things right. I am now very happy with the job. They have helped me keep my 100+ year old house looking like it could go another hubdred.
Bill CanningBill Canning
16:25 07 May 24
Jacob from Jagra tuckpointing was very quick to reply to me from setting up the estimate to completing the project. I am very happy with the work completed and his crew did a great job cleaning up also. I am very happy with their work and would recommend Jagra tuckpointing.
Laura MantzorosLaura Mantzoros
15:05 06 May 24
Jacob and his team were great to work with. Professional, responsive, detailed and thorough, efficient. They answered all of our questions and did a great job on repairing our 2004 8-unit condo building.
Robert BallmaierRobert Ballmaier
16:41 03 May 24
Working with JAGRA was an amazing experience. Jacob was prompt, professional and a great communicator. His crew repaired the chimney on my roof in one day. I can’t recommend hiring JAGRA enough.
Johnathan McDowellJohnathan McDowell
20:31 25 Apr 24
JAGRA handled tuck-pointing for our 100+ year house. Their team of experts helped restore our bricks and clean up a project that had gone unchecked for far too long. They were quick, reliable and helped educate us along the way. Would recommend and will be using them again in the future.
Michael YohananMichael Yohanan
17:58 23 Apr 24
Thank you Jakub and Jagra crew for full 4 story historic brick building and garage restoration done in 3 weeks. We also did several lintel replacements. Jakub was super responsive to all questions and had the most comprehensive proposal compared to the 5 other companies I got bids from. They were the only company that immediately offered to use the correct mortar type for 1920s brick and the crew got a compliment from my neighbor for keeping the area so clean. Not the cheapest but also not the most expensive.
Trevor WurtzebachTrevor Wurtzebach
16:37 22 Apr 24
They did a great job for our tuckpoint project. Great overall experience from initial quote, scheduling the work, and final product.
Joe McMullenJoe McMullen
16:02 22 Apr 24
Expert, efficient, professional, and exceptionally reasonable. I cannot recommend more highly.
Mickey GMickey G
00:17 28 Mar 24
Jagra Masonary & Tuckpointing CorpFrom the 1st call, you will know they are experienced and they will get the job done right.They provide an initial consultation,followed by a detailed proposal for recommended services and cost.(Lol....pictures are included for visual learners like myself)They are flexible with scheduling and manage all things needed to complete the job without any problems eg., permits.The customer service is OUTSTANDING, they communicate the job status and any new concerns or needed changes.The mason workers are VERY skilled, they set up 2 days before the start date, so that day one is productive.They quickly identify any problems so they can be addressed immediately.My neighbors even commented on the fact that the job site was neat and never dirty at the end of the day.My building required layers of work : (tuckpointing, replacement of lintels, flashingsystems, weep tubes plus a rebuild of a parapet wall), and ALL the work was completed on time as promised.I am so greatful...I paid attention to the work Jagra completed on another building in my neighborhood and I stopped and asked Jakub#1 for a card.Thank you Jakub#1 and Jacob#2 for answering ALL of my questions.Jagra Corp has exceeded my expectations.When doing my research, none of the other masonry contractors had 4 or 5 star reviews like Jagra...and now I know why.However, my review is 5 Stars plus+!Will be in touch..for my next project..CMG
Nefertiti FulksNefertiti Fulks
15:02 14 Mar 24
This review is long overdue! The work JAGRA Corp performed on my home years was amazing and still looks good til’ this day. I’ve vetted so many masonry professionals and decided JAGRA will be my best choice. They rebuild my chimney that was much needed. I’m not utilizing anyone else services for masonry work. Will be using them again for tuckpointing.
Joe AbellaJoe Abella
01:25 25 Feb 24
They did the outside and inside of my 125 year old masonry foundation and I was happy with the results.
Anthony WinburnAnthony Winburn
23:24 14 Nov 23
Great service and great professionalism. I had a problem that I was discovered on the roof and wanted it taken care of before the snow. The service exceeded my expectations.
Jonathan McCaslinJonathan McCaslin
17:46 13 Nov 23
Jakub and his team were very professional and helpful and have done the work requested to a very high standard. Will definitely use them again.
Felicia HollieFelicia Hollie
20:34 10 Nov 23
I got stamped concrete for my front yard. This company is very professional. They answered all of my questions and responded in a timely manner. The communication was great. Satisfied with finished product.
Michael AlexanderMichael Alexander
22:27 07 Nov 23
Our 1920s Condo building was in need of masonry work due to water penetration. Jakub at Jagra was extremely helpful in guiding us through our options and working with our timeline because of the approval needed. In the end we got a parapet wall rebuild that looks great and kept the original look of the building. They do amazing work and feel confident that we made the right decision with Jagra after going through multiple bids. Thank you!
april lillstromapril lillstrom
18:54 30 Oct 23
We actually got 5 quotes from different companies for tuck pointing on our two flat (because it was a pretty big expense for us, and wanted to make sure we understood what work needed done) and we're really happy that we ended up going with Jagra. Jacob and Jacob are very responsive and easy to communicate with, and great about thoroughly answering questions. They checked with us at several points during the project to give us updates and ensure our satisfaction, and the team did a great job. I would recommend Jagra to anyone!
Stephen ShirkStephen Shirk
19:20 17 Aug 23
Jagra Corp just completed a large brick replacement and tuck point project at my work/studio building in West Town It's an old flat roof brick bunker built in 1890 and modified for various uses over the coarse of its life. The goal of my project was to make the building solid and sound. Do to the mismatch of brick used over the years, beautification would take a backseat. Jacob was prompt with communication, providing clear explantations and estimates. They were able to start the project a few days earlier than originally planned and finish ahead of schedule as well. The foreman and crew were friendly and did great work. They cleaned up the building and surrounding area when the project was done. Even though I explained that this wasn't a beautification project, the building looks better than ever expected and now it is good to go for years to come. Thank you, Jacob! I will be calling you again for other masonry projects.
Julie ZengJulie Zeng
02:28 16 Jul 23
The stubborn leak we have had for many years was finally fixed thanks to Jagra. This is a very experienced team with in-depth construction knowledge. They are capable of solving more complex issues such as replacing beams above window and door openings. I first saw Jagra’s work on Instagram and decided to reach out. The owner personally came to my house to do initial valuation. It turned out that our water intrusion was caused by structural problems around the window and door openings. He gave us a reasonable quote and was able to fit us in within a couple of weeks. The crew showed up on time and did proper protection around the house before beginning the work. The bricks were first carefully taken out, an old rusty beam above the window opening was replaced, and old waterproof flashings were replaced. The crew was able to preserve and reuse the original bricks. They also did a great job cleaning up afterwards. We have had several large storms following the repair and no leaks! We are very happy with the quality of the service and the result. Great team to work with.
emma kaplanemma kaplan
22:01 20 Jun 23
Jacob and Jacob of Jagra Masonry did a fabulous job on our home. Jagra tuck pointed the front of our home, replaced two failed window lintels, and made spot repairs on the rest of the exterior. They were very patient with our multitude of questions, and explained what should be done in the near and long term (very helpful if you’re a new homeowner and are trying to prioritize!) The masons worked quickly and neatly to complete the job. We would absolutely recommend them.
Stefany RomanStefany Roman
18:05 14 Apr 23
I found Jagra Masonry on Instagram. I am so glad I did! I needed to redo the tuckpointing on my two flat rental property. I constantly found mortar on the floor and pieces of brick on the sidewalk. I knew it was time for maintenance. I contacted them to get a quote. Jakub was very professional walked me through the entire process of what the job was going to entail. He also made a couple of recommendations of redoing the front parapet wall because it was caving in due to years of deterioration. He also saw I was missing bricks towards the roof. Everything that we talked about in our initial walk through meeting was completed and exceeded my expectation. The workers were very clean after each work day. That's very important for me to keep my tenants and neighbors happy. They started and completed the job as on the promised date. I appreciate that Jakub followed up with me the day after the job was completed to make sure I was happy with their work. I will be using them in the near future for my other properties. Jagra Masonry did an exceptional job and I highly recommend!
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More Services

Grinding & Tuckpointing

Brick Restoration & Repair

Chimney Repair & Rebuilding

Lintel Replacement

More Services

Grinding & Tuckpointing

Brick Restoration & Repair

Chimney Repair & Rebuilding

Lintel Replacement