So your home just got a fresh tuckpointing Chicago job—congrats! Now let’s make sure it stays in great shape through every season. Brick and mortar are tough, but they need a little seasonal TLC to remain in peak condition.
Spring – Post-Winter Checkup
After a cold winter, your brickwork could be hiding damage from freeze-thaw cycles.
- Inspect for cracks or loose mortar. Even with recent tuckpointing, harsh winter weather can be brutal.
- Clean off salt stains from sidewalks and driveways that may have splashed up.
- Check gutters and downspouts to ensure they’re not leaking onto brick walls.
Summer – Sun & Storm Watch
Heat and storms can do their own kind of damage.
- Look for fading or softening mortar due to UV exposure.
- After storms, check for water pooling near the foundation or splashing on walls.
- Clean your bricks using a garden hose and a soft-bristle brush.
Fall – Prepping for Cold
This is the perfect time to prepare your bricks before winter hits again.
- Seal your brickwork, if recommended by your mason, to reduce water penetration.
- Ensure landscaping and soil grading slope away from your foundation.
- Inspect chimneys and outdoor fireplaces—if they were part of your tuckpointing, they’ll need just as much care.
Winter – Ice Control
- Avoid using salt or de-icing chemicals near masonry—they can erode mortar over time, even after tuckpointing.
- Watch for icicles forming on or near brick walls—they indicate poor drainage.
- Stay vigilant with snow removal—don’t let snow accumulate against walls.
With a little seasonal maintenance, your brickwork will continue looking great and performing well long after tuckpointing is complete.
