How to Repair Tuckpointing on a Chimney
Tuckpointing is another way to describe repairing the bad mortar on an old chimney. Brick and mortar chimneys will eventually decay over time, causing an unsafe situation in which bricks can became dislodged and fall from the roof. If you have any problems with height or health problems that may hinder your balance, call in a professional to get the job done. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Mortar mix
- Mortar fortifier
- Spray bottle and water
- Bucket
- Trowel
- Wire brush
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Mortar holding tool (mortar hawk) or flat piece of 6-by-6 inch plywood
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Brush off the old chimney mortar with a stiff wire brush. This will loosen old pieces and remove crumbling areas.
-
2
Pull out loose pieces of mortar from inside cracks using your flat blade screwdriver to dislodge them, then grab them with your fingers and remove them.
-
-
3
Mix the mortar in a bucket of water per the manufacturer's directions. Add in the fortifier for extra strength. The mortar should stick to the trowel when it has been turned upside down.
-
4
Load up your mortar hawk or piece of wood with a few trowels full of mortar. You can carry this around for portability instead of the bucket.
-
5
Spray down one side of the chimney with your spray bottle. Work on one side at a time.
-
6
Trowel mortar into cracks and crevices beginning on one side. Push the mortar in deep inside of cracks, and fill in all gaps. Smooth out each area when finished.
-
7
Load up your mortar hawk, spray down another side of the chimney, and repeat the process.
-
8
Spray down the entire chimney when you are finished, and let the mortar set. If possible, keep the entire chimney sprayed and wet for the next couple of days. This will increase drying time, but strengthen the mortar compound in the process.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Some people have had success using a pastry bag filled with mortar, which they literally inject into deep fissures. You may have to thin out the mortar a bit to do this, but it does work.
Always be extremely careful when working off the ground. If using a ladder, make sure the legs are on steady and stable ground. Never attempt this procedure in anything but the driest weather.
