What Is Tuckpointing—and Why Your Chimney Probably Needs It

If you own a home in Southern Wisconsin—especially one that’s more than 15 years old—there’s a good chance your chimney needs attention. One of the most common and essential repairs for brick chimneys is a process called tuckpointing.

At Bollerud Masonry in Milton, we get a lot of questions about what tuckpointing is, why it matters, and how to know when it’s time. The truth is, ignoring damaged mortar can lead to serious structural and moisture problems—but with proper tuckpointing, you can preserve your chimney, protect your home, and avoid expensive rebuilds down the line.

What Is Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing is the process of removing deteriorated, cracked, or crumbling mortar between bricks and replacing it with new mortar that closely matches the original color and composition. It restores both the structural integrity and appearance of your chimney or any other brick structure.

This isn’t just cosmetic—it’s critical maintenance that prevents moisture infiltration and brick displacement.

Why Your Chimney Probably Needs Tuckpointing

Wisconsin winters are rough on masonry. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles cause water to seep into tiny mortar cracks, expand as it freezes, and break the mortar apart from the inside. Over time, this can lead to:

• Loose or missing mortar joints
• Spalling (flaking) bricks
• Water leaks inside your home
• Leaning or crumbling chimney stacks
• Costly structural repairs if left unchecked

If your chimney is over 10–15 years old and hasn’t had a masonry inspection, there’s a strong chance it’s due—or overdue—for tuckpointing.

Signs You Might Need Tuckpointing

• Gaps or cracks in the mortar between bricks
• Chunks of mortar falling out
• Bricks shifting, leaning, or becoming loose
• White staining (efflorescence) on the brick surface
• Water stains on the walls or ceiling near the fireplace

Even if the damage seems minor, it’s best to address it now—early tuckpointing is far less expensive than a full chimney rebuild later.

The Bollerud Masonry Difference

At Bollerud Masonry, we take pride in preserving the historic and structural beauty of brickwork throughout Milton, Janesville, Madison, and the surrounding areas. Our tuckpointing process includes:

• Careful removal of deteriorated mortar by hand or tool
• Matching mortar color and consistency to blend seamlessly
• Cleaning and sealing to protect against future weather damage
• Honest assessments—no upselling, just the facts

We don’t just repair—we restore your masonry so it looks great and performs even better.

Schedule a Chimney Inspection Today

Whether you’ve noticed signs of deterioration or just want peace of mind before another Wisconsin winter, Bollerud Masonry is here to help. A quick inspection could save you thousands in future repairs.

Serving Milton, Janesville, Madison, and surrounding Southern Wisconsin communities