Tuckpointing Tuckpointing is a repair that focuses on the mortar joint between brick or stone and does not address the masonry unit itself. The most important thing to know about tuckpointing is what job should not be tuckpointed. There are many situations where tuckpointing is almost a complete waste of money. If you are considering a repair that involves tuckpointing get a free evaluation from us; in many cases we can provide you with more thorough information that will help you to make the most informed decision about your chimney work.
Preventative maintenance Without being protected all new and existing masonry chimneys are susceptible to water damage, even if repaired. Because chimneys project above the roof line, they are vulnerable to the elements. Water damage can be prevented. ChimneySaver Water Repellents come with a 10 Year Warranty and have been used by chimney professionals for nearly 20 years. It reduces water penetration into the masonry by 99.9% according to ASTM tests conducted at the University of Wyoming. It is also 100% vapor permeable, which means it won't trap water vapors.
Chimney crown A chimney crown is a masonry roof that covers the top of your chimney. It prevents water from seeping into the masonry below. Water damaged or cracked chimney crowns can lead to costly chimney repairs. Chimneys are often capped improperly with mortar crowns instead of the recommended cast-in-place concrete crowns. Flex Crown is an elastomeric coating that forms a flexible waterproof membrane to protect chimney crowns. It dries in about 6 hours and cures in about 24 hours to a natural concrete/mortar appearance and comes with a 10 year manufactures warranty.
Improper Detail: “Pinned” Chimney flashing Chimney leaks are a common problem due to improper flashing design and construction. It takes a skilled craftsmen to install a flashing that will perform maintenance free for many years. A common “shortcut” is referred to as “pinning” the flashing. This is when the metal flashing is nailed or “pinned” to the mortar, and caulking applied along the top portion of the flashing to waterproof the system. Prone to popping loose, another drawback is cracks develop in caulking within only a few years of UV exposure and require constant maintenance to remain watertight.
Proper Detail: “Grind and Tuck” Chimney Flashing “Grind and Tuck” refers to grinding the mortar joints, bending the metal along the top of the flashing and tucking it back into the mortar joints. Then mortar caulk is pointed back into the joint causing a permanent watertight seal.
Copper Flashings Last A Lifetime
Copper flashings, although more costly, have proven to be the most enduring as tested over the centuries. The history of copper roof and flashings stretches back to 970 B.C.E. when Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem was outfitted with a copper roof and flashing details. Numerous copper roof systems adorn historic structures around the word still in use today.
Tuckpointing is a repair that focuses on the mortar joint between brick or stone and does not address the masonry unit itself. The most important thing to know about tuckpointing is what job should not be tuckpointed. There are many situations where tuckpointing is almost a complete waste of money. If you are considering a repair that involves tuckpointing get a free evaluation from us; in many cases we can provide you with more thorough information that will help you to make the most informed decision about your chimney work. 
Without being protected all new and existing masonry chimneys are susceptible to water damage, even if repaired. Because chimneys project above the roof line, they are vulnerable to the elements. Water damage can be prevented. ChimneySaver Water Repellents come with a 10 Year Warranty and have been used by chimney professionals for nearly 20 years. It reduces water penetration into the masonry by 99.9% according to ASTM tests conducted at the University of Wyoming. It is also 100% vapor permeable, which means it won't trap water vapors.
A chimney crown is a masonry roof that covers the top of your chimney. It prevents water from seeping into the masonry below. Water damaged or cracked chimney crowns can lead to costly chimney repairs. Chimneys are often capped improperly with mortar crowns instead of the recommended cast-in-place concrete crowns. Flex Crown is an elastomeric coating that forms a flexible waterproof membrane to protect chimney crowns. It dries in about 6 hours and cures in about 24 hours to a natural concrete/mortar appearance and comes with a 10 year manufactures warranty.
Chimney leaks are a common problem due to improper flashing design and construction. It takes a skilled craftsmen to install a flashing that will perform maintenance free for many years. A common “shortcut” is referred to as “pinning” the flashing. This is when the metal flashing is nailed or “pinned” to the mortar, and caulking applied along the top portion of the flashing to waterproof the system. Prone to popping loose, another drawback is cracks develop in caulking within only a few years of UV exposure and require constant maintenance to remain watertight. 
“Grind and Tuck” refers to grinding the mortar joints, bending the metal along the top of the flashing and tucking it back into the mortar joints. Then mortar caulk is pointed back into the joint causing a permanent watertight seal.
