Chimney Services

Inside a tuckpointing job in Altamonte Springs

Matching the original chimney mortar

For the best match, the Brick Industry Association recommends duplicating the original mortar's ingredients and proportions, and where the type is unknown, sending samples to a testing laboratory. ASTM C1324 is the test method generally used to examine hardened mortar and estimate its proportions.

Most homeowners do not need a laboratory report to repoint a chimney. Where the brick is old, soft or unusual, though, an analysis can be the safer route, and we will say so and explain how it affects the schedule. Either way, the mortar decision is made before the first joint is cut.

Tooling new joints at thumbprint hardness

Timing the tooling decides both how well a joint sheds water and how it looks. Technical Note 7B describes thumbprint hard as the point where a thumb leaves an impression but picks up no mortar. Tooled too early, joints smear and can turn out lighter in color. Tooled too late, the surface cannot be consolidated against the brick.

The Park Service brief adds that joints tooled when too hard can show dark streaks known as tool burning. On a chimney the faces set at different speeds depending on sun and wind, so our crew checks each area before tooling it.

Mortar joints that hold the flashing

Where a brick chimney meets the roof, the counterflashing is usually set into a mortar joint. BIA Technical Note 19B describes it inserted 3/4 to 1 inch into the joint and mortared solidly in place, lapping the base flashing below. When that joint erodes, the flashing can loosen and let water in behind it.

Repointing near the roofline therefore includes a close look at the flashing joints. If the metal is sound, the joint is repointed around it. If the flashing itself is bent, rusted or too short, we price flashing repair separately so you can see both lines.

Booking chimney tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is planned work, and it begins with a free inspection where the joints are assessed, the mortar is chosen and the area is measured. The repointing itself is then scheduled for suitable weather, and larger areas can take more than one day.

An inspection the same day is possible when the schedule allows, and the written estimate is in your hands before any cutting starts. Confirm the work with our family-owned team within 72 hours of the inspection and it is 10% off.