Tuckpointing and repointing on a classic Clarendon Hills bungalow — all joint faces ground out, color-matched mortar applied, and joints tooled to correct profile.
Project Details
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After 
Before 1/3 — Main facade — failed mortar joints removed and replaced with Type S color-matched mortar
After 
Before 2/3 — Side wall — full-depth joint restoration with consistent tooled profile
After 
Before 3/3 — Chimney section — deteriorated mortar repointed and sealed against water infiltration
This Clarendon Hills bungalow had failing mortar joints on the entire street-facing elevation — the result of previous spot-patching with incorrect Portland cement mortar that had damaged the surrounding joints. Proper restoration required removing all prior patch work before repointing.
Eroded mortar joints allow water infiltration that damages interior walls and framing
Wrong mortar type used in DIY or inexperienced repointing causes accelerated brick failure
Delayed tuckpointing turns a $2,000 job into a $15,000 structural repair
Every project follows the same disciplined sequence — no shortcuts, no hand-offs, same crew start to finish.
We probe joints to measure depth, assess mortar hardness, and identify all failure points before any work begins. A proper assessment prevents missing the full scope.
Failing mortar is removed to a minimum 3/4" depth using angle grinders and chisels. Compressed air cleans the joint before any mortar is applied.
We mix Type S mortar to match the original color and consistency. Mortar is packed in layers, not applied in one pass — the correct method for a durable, weather-tight joint.
Joints are tooled to match the existing profile when mortar reaches the right consistency. We walk every elevation before closeout — no missed joints, no uneven profiles.
Tuckpointing done right is one of the highest-ROI investments in a brick building. Properly matched mortar and correct joint depth prevent water infiltration for two decades or more. AMS has been color-matching mortar on Chicagoland homes since 2007 — we do not guess.
Crumbling, missing, or recessed mortar joints are the primary sign. We also look for efflorescence (white mineral staining), soft mortar that can be scratched out with a key, and water stains on interior walls near the brick.
We use Type S mortar blended specifically for existing brick. Type S provides the right compressive strength — stronger Portland mortar actually damages older brick, so the mix matters as much as the application.
We stop tuckpointing when temperatures fall below 40°F. Cold weather prevents proper mortar curing. We will never schedule mortar work into cold weather to meet a deadline — the integrity of the joint is the only standard.
