Before & after mortar joint repair on chimneys, foundations, and brick walls across Elk River, Ramsey, Maple Grove, and NW Metro MN.
Tuckpointing is the process of grinding out deteriorated mortar joints to a depth of ¾ inch and packing them with fresh, matched mortar. Done right, it's nearly invisible and restores both waterproofing and structural integrity. Most brick chimneys in the NW Metro benefit from tuckpointing every 20–30 years — Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles accelerate mortar deterioration faster than milder climates. Tim Hanson has been tuckpointing chimneys and foundations throughout Hennepin and Sherburne County since 1994.
An Elk River homeowner called after their home inspector flagged the chimney during a sale — all four sides had mortar joints recessed by ½ to ¾ inch, well past acceptable limits. Tim's crew used an angle grinder to remove all deteriorated mortar to a depth of ¾ inch, cleaned the joints with compressed air, and packed each course with a mortar blend that matched the original gray color. The chimney was complete in one day.
A Ramsey homeowner had water seeping into their basement at the base of the north block foundation wall. Inspection found the mortar joints on the exposed exterior section had crumbled out over 15 linear feet, creating open channels for water entry. Tim ground out all loose mortar, packed the joints with a high-lime mortar blend suitable for below-grade masonry, and applied two coats of elastomeric waterproofing to the entire exterior section.
A 1960s Maple Grove home with full brick veneer exterior had mortar joints crumbling on the south and west elevations — the two sides that get the most weather exposure. The homeowner noticed efflorescence (white staining) and wanted to prevent water infiltration. Tim's crew repointed the affected sections — approximately 800 square feet — with a carefully matched mortar blend to blend invisibly with the original joints.
This Rogers home had a chimney with crumbling mortar joints on two sides and a cracked crown. Tim handled both in a single visit — grinding and repointing the joints, then pouring a new chimney crown with proper slope and drip edge to direct water away from the brick. Combining both repairs in one mobilization saved the homeowner the cost of a second service call.
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