As expected, chimney tuckpointing costs will include many variables which we’ll discuss shortly.
Keeping a chimney functional through proper maintenance should be the responsibility of every homeowner.
Typically, such maintenance will include cleaning, replacement, or repair of damaged components like chimney cap, and crown as well as repointing and tuckpointing.
Chimney tuckpointing is one area we’re interested in and will be focusing on. If you’re seeking to carry out this maintenance procedure on your chimney, it will be necessary to have an understanding of the cost implications.
The Objective
With tuckpointing, the main objective is to renovate or rehabilitate existing masonry walls. This procedure can be performed on all masonry walls including those for chimneys.
With time, the strength and support of mortar wanes, resulting in cracks, crumbling and falling off.
Now, apart from replacing or tucking in a new mortar to replace the old, another objective of tuckpointing is to enhance the look of the brick wall. In other words, tuckpointing serves as a form of decoration.
What more? Mortar is dyed to match or blend in with the original appearance of mortar joints. The overall impact of tuckpointing is a reinforced structure that’s stronger and also visually appealing.
Average Cost Of Tuckpointing A Chimney
A lot of variables are involved when discussing tuckpointing costs.
While these will be unveiled below, it’s important to have a rough idea of what such costs entail. The national average cost for tuckpointing starts at $500 while the average falls within the $300 to $800 bracket.
The minimum cost for this procedure is about $250 while the maximum cost is pegged at $3,500. The cost of tuckpointing a chimney is charged around $10 to $25 per square footage.
Translating this to the total cost involved, you’ll have to multiply the cost per square foot by the total area to be coved.
Labor costs, accessibility, and equipment to be used will impact total costs. The eventual cost you pay will depend on onsite cost estimations performed by a mason.
In terms of the variables mentioned above, tuckpointing costs will vary by the material used, by mortar type, by square footage, and so on.
Costing Variables For Tuckpointing
Several factors will come into play when determining tuckpointing costs. These will include material, mortar type, cost per square footage, linear foot costs, as well as enhancement & improvement costs.
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Tuckpointing Costs By Material
One of the key considerations to factor into tuckpointing cost is the material used.
There are about 3 types that include cement, lime-based mortar, and caulk. A technician or contractor carrying out the process may have their preferred product or material.
On average, a gallon of tuckpointing cement goes for $25. This is made from fine sandstone, clay, and sand. It will cost a little more for lime-based mortar as its average price per gallon is around $30.
The most expensive of these materials is the tuckpointing caulk.
This costs around $50 per gallon on average. Its flexibility makes it a favorite with masons. Plus, tuckpointing caulk is airtight and watertight.
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Tuckpointing Cost By Mortar Type
When it comes to choosing a suitable mortar type for a tuckpointing job, multiple factors come into play. These are mostly technical and include the pound per square inch (PSI).
This is the unit pressure that’s exerted on an inch of brick mortar.
Varying mortar types are designated by the letters M, S, N, and O. These have different strengths and tuckpointing use especially in regards to temperature, climatic conditions, and location of the brick wall, etc.
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Type M Mortar Costs
An 80-pound bag of type M mortar will cost around $5 to $10. It’s about the most durable when it comes to strength and has various applications such as tuckpointing load-bearing walls and brick foundations.
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Type S Mortar Costs
This type of mortar has the same cost as the type M mortar for an 80-pound bag. It’s the type mostly used for chimney repointing jobs. If you want a weather-resistant mortar, this is the type to consider.
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Type N Mortar Costs
An 80-pound bag of type N mortar will cost anywhere from $5 to $20. It’s a mixture of sand, cement, and lime. This mortar type is also used for chimney repointing jobs.
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Type O Mortar Costs
Compared to the rest, type O mortar has the least strength. However, this serves a purpose as it’s used for interior brick wall repointing jobs. It costs around $20 to $50 for an 80-pound pack.
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Tuckpointing Cost Per Square Footage
Certain cost estimations for tuckpointing jobs are done per square footage. On average, tuckpointing costs per square foot will range from $5 to $10. This is multiplied by the total area to be covered.
Asides’ looking at the square foot of the area to be tuckpointed, another consideration made by contractors is the brick wall condition.
So, inclusive of labor, and square feet coverage, prices are likely to vary from $250 to around $15,000. The wider the coverage area, the more the cost of tuckpointing will be.
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Tuckpointing Cost Per Linear Footage
While some chimney contractors estimate tuckpointing costs on a per-square-foot basis, others follow or adopt the linear foot model. So, you’ll find the average tuckpointing cost per linear foot to be around $1 to $5.
Depending on the area to be covered, you’ll need to multiply the figures per linear foot by the total area to be tuckpointed. Costs can start at a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $15,000.
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Enhancement & Improvement Costs
Not all tuckpointing jobs are done to fill up eroded mortar joints. Some are performed for decorative purposes only. For decorative purposes, tuckpointing will cost around $7 to $10 per square foot.
At the start of this article, we stated the varying nature of tuckpointing costs. Some of the major variables have been listed and discussed. Your tuckpointing cost will largely depend on your chimney or brick wall condition.
Your unique needs are also taken into account. We’ve also seen that cost will be impacted by the materials used among several things. You’ll need to call a professional to get a quote.
