Let’s get this straight right off the bat: when it comes to repointing brick, the job must be done right the first time, because shoddy brickwork (or pointing, tuckpointing) will lead to potential breakdowns that can spell doom for your chimney or other brick structures.

It’s the type of work better left to the professionals who handle this type of thing every day. Do it yourself tuckpointing is possible, but you really have to have high confidence in your repointing brick abilities to perform the much-needed work successfully.

We’ll attempt to explain what is brick pointing, how do it yourself tuckpointing is done, and the average cost of repointing brick. This will provide you with the basics necessary to make the best decision for your chimney, brick structure or home.

You Asked: What Is Brick Pointing?

So let’s do some explaining first, what is brick pointing? Also called tuckpointing, brick pointing is the mortar (or “stuff”) between the bricks that holds it all together. This mortar is made out of a mixture of cement and sand. On average, mortar can last on average around 45-50 years, yet some can last up to 100 years.

Variables such as weather and general wear and tear can affect how long and how well the mortar does its job can vary, sometimes vary wildly.

So when your mortar or pointing needs to be repaired or replaced, to do so requires a professionals skill level. Minor jobs on small structures may be able to be done at a do-it-yourself level, but in general, you want experts performing this essential task.

Do It Yourself Tuckpointing, Can It Be Done With Confidence?

So, you want to try to do it yourself tuckpointing? OK, we don’t have enough space to provide you with a detailed step-by-step list of instructions, but we’ll give you an overview.

Again, depending upon your level of confidence in your skills depends upon whether you should hire a pro or not. Still, we’ll provide you with the basics on how to perform do it yourself tuckpointing on your brickwork.

You’ll need the following tools: an angle grinder, a brick trowel, a tuck pointer, bucket, safety glasses, dust mask, cold chisel, hammer, hammer drill, hearing protection of some sort. Also, you’ll need some mortar mix, mortar dye, muriatic acid.

The steps involved include grinding out the joints (old mortar), knocking out the mortar, clean out the mortar, mix the new, replacement mortar, work the mortar into the joints, tool the joints, and clean the bricks.

Those are the basic do-it-yourself steps and tools and materials you’ll need to perform the do it yourself tuckpointing job.

What Is the Average Cost of Repointing Brick?

When it comes to the average cost of repointing brick, many things depend on the actual cost you will spend. It depends on where you live, the size of the project, and whether or not you use high-end materials for your project. Also, it depends on whether you use a professional or do it yourself.

The average nationwide cost of repairing brickwork is about $1,300. The cheap range is about $300, high end close to $4,000.

For comparison’s sake, the average cost of repairing brickwork on a chimney is between $750-$1,000.