How Much Does Tuckpointing Cost?
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Tuckpointing, which is removing old mortar between bricks and replacing it with new, can restore the structural integrity of brickwork. Repairing and replacing mortar joints costs between $500 and $2,500, with tuckpointing cost averaging $1,500.
Highlights
- Tuckpointing costs $1,500 on average, but a common price range is $500 to $2,500.
- The size of the home or brick structure is the biggest factor in determining the cost, along with labor rates, where the structure is located, and whether any additional damage repairs are needed.
- It’s time to schedule a tuckpointing job when homeowners see cracks and gaps in the mortar, persistent dampness, flaking or peeling mortar, or color changes on the bricks.
- Repairing the mortar of a chimney or wall requires knowledge of different mortar materials, experience in applying mortar properly for a strong bond, and plenty of time and patience. Homeowners usually prefer to outsource this labor-intensive job to a pro.
When the mortar between bricks wears out, a solution called tuckpointing is recommended. Tuckpointing involves removing deteriorating mortar from between bricks in a wall or other structure and replacing it with new mortar. This process effectively renews and repairs the mortar joints and extends the structure’s lifespan. Replacing old mortar also helps protect a brick building from water damage and weathering while enhancing its visual appeal.
Tuckpointing costs vary depending on home type, mortar type, and local labor costs. The national average tuckpointing cost is $1,500, though homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $500 to $2,500, according to Angi and HomeAdvisor.
Those who have brick homes, chimneys, or fences are encouraged to learn more about tuckpointing, including signs that indicate brick-and-mortar repair is necessary. Additionally, there are money-saving tips for regaining structural stability without breaking the bank.
Factors in Calculating Tuckpointing Cost
There’s a lot of variation in tuckpointing expenses, and while knowing the national average cost of tuckpointing is helpful, it’s only one part of the picture for homeowners to consider. It’s important for homeowners to understand the following factors before planning their budget, as these factors heavily influence the final price.
Home Type
The cost to tuckpoint a house is closely correlated to the structure type. For example, tuckpointing a rambler house will likely cost less than tuckpointing a 2-story house. This difference in pricing is because single-story homes are easier to access without scaffolding or extra-long ladders.
On the other hand, taller and larger homes tend to have more surface area. The increased amount of work and materials needed to repair larger home types can lead to higher costs. Finally, homes with complex architectural designs, such as Victorian homes or those with intricate brick patterns, may require more detailed work, which is more costly.
Structure Size and Height
While pricing can vary based on job specifics and mortar conditions, the average tuckpointing cost ranges from $5 to $25 per square foot. Most contractors will charge on the higher end of the range if the structure is 8 or more feet high; homeowners can expect to pay a minimum of $10 per square foot if contractors need to work on high surfaces due to the added complexity and risk.
There’s often a need for scaffolding, which requires additional time and labor to set up. Working at higher heights is also more labor-intensive since workers have to climb ladders and scaffolding while also carrying tools and supplies.
Tuckpointing Material and Mortar Type
| Type of Mortar | Average Cost to Mortar a Chimney (Materials and Labor) |
| Caulk | $750 to $2,500 |
| Cement | $500 to $2,000 |
| Lime putty | $600 to $2,250 |
While homeowners may not know what mortar is made of, bricklayers will be familiar with all the types of mortars available for tuckpointing. Bricklayers may use cement, lime-based mortar, and certain types of caulk, and these prices typically range from $20 to $60 per gallon.
Cement costs between $500 and $2,000 for a standard chimney tuckpointing project. It’s favored for its strength and water resistance. Cement is available in shades of white and gray, making it easy to match colors for aesthetic purposes, but it does have a longer hardening time that can be challenging in certain weather conditions.
Lime putty is a type of mortar that hardens more quickly than cement. It’s a suitable mortar for both brick and stone, and homeowners can expect to pay between $600 and $2,250 to putty a chimney-size area. Caulk is another option, and it’s flexible, watertight, and airtight. It’s also available in various colors, though applying it can be trickier. Latex caulk is prone to breakdown with temperature swings, so it’s better suited for projects other than chimneys. Caulking a chimney costs from $750 to $2,500.
Labor
Unsurprisingly, labor is a significant part of the total cost for tuckpointing. Homeowners can expect tuckpointing contractors to charge between $180 and $800 to repair an 8-foot-by-8-foot wall.
The final labor cost depends on the level of skill the contractor brings to the job and the attention to detail required for quality tuckpointing work. Geographic location can also influence costs, with labor rates tending to coincide with local living costs. The project’s duration can also influence labor costs, with longer projects costing more than minor or simpler repairs. If the problem is affecting the foundation, homeowners may want to consider hiring one of the best foundation repair companies, such as Basement Systems or Ram Jack, to repair the damage and make sure the home is safe.
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Location and Accessibility
The cost of tuckpointing can vary based on the specific location bricklayers will work on the property. For example, a chimney tuckpointing repair may cost more than a small fireplace job.
Hard-to-reach areas typically lead to higher costs due to the extra effort and equipment required to do the job correctly and safely. Repairing tall chimneys often requires the use of scaffolding, while working in tight spaces such as cramped basements or attics can slow down the work process and result in increased labor hours.
Preparing the site for safe and easy access can also add to the overall time, such as when a brick fence has been overrun by climbing vines and bushes and needs to be cleared before work can begin. A homeowner may need to budget additional funds if the location of their tuckpoint repair is difficult to access.
Additional Costs and Considerations
In some cases, additional costs may be involved in tuckpointing brick walls that may or may not apply to certain properties. Contractors may need to repair bricks or the foundation if there is significant damage. If homeowners have decorative elements on their brick wall or fireplace, it will cost more to redo those decorations or to add them after the tuckpointing is complete. And any historical preservation repairs may require permits from local authorities before an expert bricklayer can work on the surface.
Tuckpointing vs. Repointing
While the terms are often used interchangeably, tuckpointing and repointing are technically separate processes. Repointing refers to the actual repair process of fixing or renewing the mortar joints in brickwork, while tuckpointing is a more specialized technique that involves applying two different colors of mortar to create the illusion of very fine joints.
Tuckpointing masonry typically requires more materials, which can influence the overall price. It’s also more intricate work and demands a higher level of craftsmanship, resulting in higher costs.
Damage Repair
Before tuckpointing can begin, other repairs might need to be prioritized. For example, if bricks are cracked or damaged, they must be repaired or replaced before tuckpointing can be completed.
The cost of preliminary damage repairs varies based on the type and extent of the damage. If an entire basement wall has crumbling bricks throughout, the homeowner will spend much more money to repair it first. A contractor may even recommend simply replacing a deteriorated chimney or wall completely rather than paying for extensive repairs. While it’s an added cost, repairing damage before beginning the tuckpointing is an essential step.
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Historical Preservation
Homes classified as historical properties require special attention during tuckpointing. However, the time it takes to comply with various preservation standards often increases the overall cost. Historic preservation often requires the use of specific types of bricks or mortars that may cost more than average.
Additionally, it’s rare for a novice contractor to have the right experience required to work on a historic property. Highly skilled craftsmanship is needed to accurately restore historical brickwork, and this expertise tends to come with a higher cost. Finally, the preservation process may involve obtaining special permits or approval from historic preservation boards, adding to the repair project’s time and cost.
Decorative Elements
Decorative brickwork happens when bricklayers add visually appealing elements to the surface during the original installation. This can be as simple as a small outcropping of bricks for a shelf or a complex design pattern within the wall or on the patio. Homeowners often choose embellishments to enhance the architectural character of a home. Repairing these elements can add to the cost, whether it’s replacing the brick or carefully working the new mortar into circular designs.
Additionally, tuckpointing can be used to add decorative elements and designs in several ways. For instance, using lime-based mortar to outline red bricks with white lines is a popular method that provides an elegant contrast. Decorative tuckpointing is more common when homeowners are updating historical homes, but it can also be used in modern homes.
This type of tuckpointing requires specialized skills and comes with an additional cost. Decorative tuckpointing typically costs between $7 and $10 per square foot.
Tuckpointing Cost by Type of Location
Not all tuckpointing jobs are the same. In fact, the specific location of the repair is one of the most important factors for homeowners to consider, especially when coming up with a repair budget. The cost of tuckpointing can vary significantly depending on which part of a home is being repaired.
| Location of Brick Structure | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Basement | $1,600 to $8,000 |
| Chimney | $500 to $2,500 |
| Fireplace | $100 to $500 |
| Foundation | $5,000 to $25,000 |
| Patio | $500 to $2,500 |
| Wall | $400 to $2,500 |
| Whole house | $12,500 to $62,500 |
Basement
A basement is a critical part of the home’s structure, so homeowners are advised to keep an eye on any deteriorating mortar and bricks. Basement tuckpointing is a repair homeowners will want to address quickly, as the stability of mortar and bricks directly impacts the structural integrity of the entire home.
The cost to tuckpoint an 8-foot-by-10-foot basement room can range between $1,600 and $8,000. Final pricing depends on many factors, such as how much tuckpointing is required and the overall condition of basement walls. A larger basement or one with extensive brickwork will naturally cost more. The level of deterioration in mortar joints and bricks can also influence the overall price since more labor and materials are required for significant repairs.
Chimney
Chimney tuckpointing is a crucial aspect of home maintenance that directly affects a chimney’s aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Chimney tuckpointing costs typically range from $500 to $2,500. One key factor contributing to the cost is the height of the chimney. Repairing chimneys often requires additional equipment such as ladders or scaffolding, which increases labor and time requirements.
Moreover, while working on a chimney tuckpointing project, professionals may discover additional issues that require attention. If the brick is severely compromised or the chimney’s structural integrity is at risk, additional repairs may be recommended, further impacting the total chimney repair cost.
Fireplace
Tuckpointing a fireplace directly impacts both the functionality and appearance of this feature in a home. Luckily, the cost of fireplace tuckpointing typically falls within the range of $100 to $500, making it a lower-cost investment for homeowners.
Several factors influence the cost of tuckpointing a fireplace, including its size, the intricacy of the job, and the fireplace’s location within the home. Smaller fireplaces tend to cost less to tuckpoint, while larger or more intricately designed fireplaces often come with a higher price to ensure a high-quality finished result.
Foundation
Tuckpointing the foundation of a home helps ensure the structural integrity and longevity of the entire home. Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 for foundation tuckpointing, making it a significant but essential investment.
The square footage of the foundation heavily influences the cost of foundation tuckpointing, since a 1,000-square-foot foundation requires fewer materials and less labor than a 2,500-square-foot foundation. Additionally, the type of foundation material can impact pricing. Stone, limestone, concrete block, or cinder-block foundations each have unique characteristics and may require different approaches to tuckpointing. It’s important to note that foundation tuckpointing is not a DIY project and should only be completed by experienced professionals.
Patio
The cost of patio tuckpointing can vary based on several factors, but homeowners can expect to pay between $500 and $2,500 for a typical 10-foot-by-10-foot patio.
Smaller patios may fall on the lower end of the price range, while larger or more intricately designed patios tend to incur higher costs. Tuckpointing restores the mortar and adds an attractive contrast between the bricks, enhancing the patio’s visual appeal. And without crumbling mortar on the surface, homeowners are less likely to experience trip hazards.
Beyond the aesthetic benefits, tuckpointing a patio serves a functional purpose by creating a moisture barrier. This helps prevent cracking and shifting issues caused by rain and snow.
Wall
Tuckpointing a wall involves restoring mortar joints between bricks, ensuring they remain strong and resilient against weathering. It’s a preventive measure that can save homeowners from more expensive repairs down the road.
It can cost between $400 to $2,500 to tuckpoint an 8-foot-by-10-foot wall, but several factors can influence the final price. To start, the size of the wall and the extent of tuckpointing needed significantly impact the cost. Repairing larger walls or those with extensive mortar damage usually comes with costs that are on the higher end of the price spectrum. Additionally, the choice of mortar material and the complexity of the brick pattern can also influence costs.
Whole House
Investing in whole-house tuckpointing enhances a home’s beauty and ensures the bricks’ longevity. The cost of whole-house tuckpointing varies significantly, ranging from $12,500 to $62,500 on average, and the cost is affected by several key factors.
The primary factor that influences the cost of whole-house tuckpointing is the total size of the property. Larger homes with more square footage naturally require more labor, time, and materials, all of which add to the cost. The shape and architectural style of a house can also impact pricing, especially if it’s designated as a historical landmark. Intricate designs or unique brick patterns may require more detailed and time-consuming tuckpointing, which will need to be done by expert bricklayers.
The accessibility of the site also plays a crucial role in determining costs. Single-level homes are typically less expensive to tuckpoint, while repairs to upper stories or chimneys require scaffolding and extra time.
Do I need tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing isn’t the most exciting home improvement project, and the need for repairs can often go unnoticed for a while. However, significant cracks or flaking mortar are two common signs that it’s time for a repair.
Think you need tuckpointing?
Get free, no-commitment project estimates from contractors near you.