Failing mortar is the number-one threat to a brick home in Southwestern Ontario. Freeze-thaw cycles, water infiltration, and time turn solid joints into soft, crumbling lines that let water do real damage to your wall. Tuckpointing fixes it, and when done right, looks like the original mason laid the brick yesterday.
What Is Tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing is a two-step restoration technique:
- Repointingwe carefully grind out the deteriorated mortar from the joints and replace it with fresh, properly-mixed mortar that matches the strength and colour of the original.
- Tuck linesa thin, contrasting line of lime putty or fine mortar is "tucked" into the new joint, creating the illusion of perfectly thin, uniform joints on the brick face.
The result: brick walls that look crisper than they have in 50 years, and joints that protect against water for another generation.
Tuckpointing vs Repointing, What's the Difference?
| Repointing | Tuckpointing | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Structural, replace failed mortar | Structural + aesthetic |
| Look | Matches existing joints | Illusion of fine, uniform joints |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (more labour-intensive) |
| Best for | Standard brick walls | Heritage homes, decorative facades |
| Lifespan | 30-50 years | 30-50 years |
Not sure which one your home needs? We can tell you on a free site visit, see also our brick repointing page for the structural-only option.
When Does a Brick Home in London Need Tuckpointing?
Watch for these warning signs:
- Mortar you can scrape out with a key or screwdriver, first sign mortar is too soft
- Missing or crumbling mortar joints, water is already getting in
- White powdery residue (efflorescence) on brick, water is moving through the wall
- Hairline cracks running along mortar lines, freeze-thaw damage
- Mortar dust at the base of the wall, active deterioration
- Bricks shifting or bulging out, urgent, likely structural
If you see any of these on a home older than 25 years, get it inspected before the next winter.
Our Tuckpointing Process
- Free on-site inspectionwe walk the entire exterior, photograph problem areas, and give you a written quote with no obligation.
- Mortar matchingfor heritage homes, we colour-match new mortar to the original using lime, sand, and pigment ratios appropriate to the era.
- Joint preparationold mortar is ground out to a minimum 3/4" depth using narrow-blade grinders. The joint is then brushed and rinsed clean.
- Repointingfresh mortar is packed and tooled into the joint in layers.
- Tuck line application (if specified), a contrasting fine line is added.
- Cleanup & inspectionwe walk the finished work with you and confirm the result.
Heritage Homes in London, Our Specialty
We've tuckpointed homes in:
- Old Northpre-1920s Victorian brick
- Old East VillageEdwardian masonry
- Wortley Villageheritage brick with original lime mortar
- Woodfield Heritage Conservation Districtrestoration-grade work
- Downtown Londoncommercial heritage buildings
Heritage tuckpointing requires lime-based mortar (not modern Portland cement) to avoid trapping moisture in soft historic brick. We know the difference and use the right mix.
Tuckpointing Cost in London Ontario
Pricing varies based on area to be tuckpointed, brick condition, access, and mortar matching complexity.
| Project Size | Typical Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Small section / repair (single wall, partial) | $800, $2,500 |
| Single elevation tuckpointing | $2,500, $6,000 |
| Full house tuckpointing | $6,000, $18,000+ |
Every quote is free, written, and broken out so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Why Lancaster FBC?
- 20+ years tuckpointing London homes (since 2005)
- Heritage-trained, we know lime mortar, colour-matching, and conservation practices
- Full chimney and masonry credentials
- Licensed & insured, full commercial liability + WSIB coverage
- Family-run, you talk to Matt directly, not a call centre
- Free written quotes, no obligation, no pressure
- Bilingual, service in English and French
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does tuckpointing last?
Properly done tuckpointing using the right mortar mix for your brick should last 30-50 years.
Can you tuckpoint in winter?
Tuckpointing requires above-freezing temperatures (ideally 5°C+) for the mortar to cure properly. We schedule heritage and exposed work from April through October in Southwestern Ontario.
Do I need to be home during the work?
No, most tuckpointing is exterior. We just need access to water and a power outlet.
Will my landscaping be protected?
Yes, we lay tarps and protect plants, decks, and walkways before grinding starts. Any unavoidable disruption is discussed upfront.
Do you offer warranties?
Yes, written workmanship warranty on every tuckpointing project. Ask for specifics in your free quote.
Internal Links
Related services: brick repair · brick repointing · chimney tuckpointing · recent heritage work
Free Quote · No Obligation Call Matt at 519-671-3323 or email [email protected]. Family-run since 2005. Serving London · St. Thomas · Strathroy · Woodstock · Ingersoll · Stratford · Port Stanley.