Replacing damaged mortar

If the mortar on your chimney is damaged and starts to crumble, it is surely time to replace it. This procedure is called tuck-pointing or repointing.

Tools and materials needed

  • 4-inch grinder with tuck-pointing blade
  • Hammer
  • Masonry Chisel
  • Square Masons Trowel
  • Pointing Trowel
  • Safety Glasses
  • Gloves
  • Extension Ladder

Mortar removing

First of all you must remove the mortar from the joints.

you can do this using an angler grinder with a masonry blade. A more rudimentary approach is using a hammer and chisel. Anyway, the idea is to completely get rid of any damaged old mortar.

Mortar replacement

Mix a batch of mortar into a wheelbarrow. Pour the mixture into a 5 gallon bucket. Be sure to follow the producer’s instructions, no obtain the right mixture. When the mixture is ready, apply it on the joints, and press is repeatedly to make it strong and compact. Repeat the process until the area is covered.

Striking the mortar joints

Use a jointing tool and finish off the mortar joints.  This operation is also known as “striking” the mortar. The whole idea of the process is to create a concave join scrapping off excess mortar.

The tuck pointing process is difficult and time consuming but is a good long term investment and a absolute necessity.

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