I’m asked several times a year about the pros and cons of spot pointing vs. solid tuckpointing or when one should be done over the other. Putting it in writing and publishing here on “the internetz” today, I’m hoping to help you with the answer to: Which should you choose?

Spot Pointing

Spot Pointing or (Short for Spot Tuckpointing) is the process of Tuckpointing on a smaller scale. It’s addressing only major open holes and settling cracks (Selected spots) throughout an otherwise solid wall. Essentially it’s just plugging up holes to stave off rapid deterioration. Spot tuckpointing has a list of pros and cons and whens and when nots to utilize this method. Lets start with the pros and when to spot tuckpoint.

Benefits and When to Spot Tuckpoint

Benefits: Spot tuckpointing is beneficial when tuckpointing an entire wall or area is impractical or not cost-effective.

When to do it: As stated up above, spot tuckpointing is generally done by addressing bad spots on an otherwise solid wall. Times to consider spot tuckpointing may include

1. Addressing minor settling cracks throughout a building or home that has been tuckpointed within the last 15 years or so. Open holes and cracks at specific areas caused by specific problems. (ie around leaky downspouts or at window sills where water can collect)
2. Selling a house can be a stressful event and solid tuckpointing can sometimes be an expense you cannot afford to incur. Inspectors will point out bad areas of tuckpointing and may recommend spot pointing. In this instance, it’s completely reasonable to not want to afford addressing a solid area or wall.
3. When Budget absolutely will not allow Solid Tuckpointing. As a homeowner myself, I’m completely aware of how unexpected expenses one can catch off guard. Life happens and can leave us stranded at any moment.

Personal Related Story: When I bought my place in which I currently reside(The day before the birth or my son), the a/c shortly went out. I was stuck with repairing it (against the recommendation of the heating/cooling company) While it needed replaced, I couldn’t afford that option, so it was “patched up” and I went on with life. The next summer season it went on the fritz again. By then I had accumulated enough savings to deal with the problem correctly. I had the entire system replaced with new. For the last 4-5 years now, I have been enjoying problem free a/c.

Cons and When to Avoid Spot Tuckpointing

Avoid spot tuckpointing when solid is required and can be afforded. Relating to the personal dilemma with a/c noted above, you may realize that continually patching something that needs replaced is not cost-effective. Spot tuckpointing can also detract from curb appeal. And constant patching of areas on a wall can make a brick wall look more like a ragged quilt.

Solid Tuckpointing

Benefits and When to Tuckpoint Solid

Solid tuckpointing, or more often referred to as just “Tuckpointing” is the process of tuckpointing a solid wall or area. The process includes removal of mortar joints throughout an entire wall or area, joint cleaning and new mortar installation. Previous Articles have been written that will wholly explain “When to Tuckpoint” As well as benefits associated. SO in an effort to skip redundancy check out “Benefits of Tuckpointing” &  “What is Tuckpointing” Related information is at the top of that page.

When Tuckpointing is not the right choice

Tuckpointing Solid is not always the cure-all or best route to go, especially if everything is in a solid condition and only a few areas warrant repair.

I hope this clears things up a bit for those unsure. If you’re unsure of the route to go, give us a call, text or email to schedule a hassle free no obligation estimate!

By Jacob Thompson