Expert mortar joint restoration for commercial, institutional, and historic masonry buildings. Serving Pittsburgh, New York, and Florida since 1916.
Tuckpointing, also called repointing, is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from masonry joints and replacing it with new mortar. It is one of the most consequential maintenance practices for any brick, stone, or block building. Mortar joints are the primary pathway through which moisture enters a wall system, and when they fail, the damage accelerates quickly.
Graciano Corporation has performed tuckpointing and repointing on some of the most demanding masonry structures in the country, including Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, where comprehensive repointing was part of a historic restoration program spanning millions of square feet of Indiana limestone facade.
Not all mortars are interchangeable. Portland cement-based mortars are too rigid for many older brick types and can trap moisture within the wall, leading to brick face spalling if installed without proper analysis. For historic structures, Graciano evaluates existing mortar samples to match compressive strength, color, and texture, following the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Using mortar that is harder than the surrounding masonry units forces stress into the brick or stone rather than the joint, which is the opposite of how masonry walls are designed to perform. This is why mortar analysis is not optional on any project where the building's age or material type is a consideration.
Graciano's tuckpointing crews rake out existing mortar to a minimum depth consistent with project specifications, clean the joint thoroughly, and install new mortar in lifts to prevent shrinkage cracking. Joint tooling is matched to the original profile, whether that is a concave, weathered, or beaded joint. The goal is a repair that is indistinguishable from the surrounding masonry while performing at a higher level.
On large commercial or institutional projects, Graciano often mobilizes swing stages, suspended scaffolding, or specialty access equipment to address full-facade pointing programs efficiently and safely, with 90% of all labor performed by our own in-house craftsmen.
Graciano Corporation offers tuckpointing and repointing services from offices in Pittsburgh, PA, New York, NY, and Florida, and bids projects nationally. Whether the scope is a single elevation or a multi-year facade program, our crews have the experience and equipment to perform the work to the highest standard.
Committed to delivering the finest craftsmanship at competitive prices. Whether it's a landmark restoration, commercial project, or residential repair, Graciano is ready to help.