3 common masonry terminology words

Maintaining the integrity of a brick wall or chimney is crucial to prevent water damage and structural issues. Repointing, tuckpointing, and parging are all important techniques to achieve this goal.

Repointing involves removing damaged or deteriorated mortar and replacing it with new mortar. This technique is necessary when the mortar joints are eroded or the bricks are loose, which can lead to water infiltration and damage.

Tuckpointing is a similar technique to repointing, but it involves adding a thin layer of contrasting mortar on top of the existing mortar joints. This is done to enhance the appearance of the wall or chimney and make it look like new.

Parging is the process of applying a coat of cement or mortar to a brick surface. The parging technique is used to repair minor surface defects, such as cracks or holes, and to create a smooth surface for painting or finishing.

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Example

At Masonry Kingston, our team of skilled masonry contractors recently helped homeowners in the Polson Park and Grenville Park areas restore the integrity and appearance of their homes through professional tuckpointing and parging services. In Polson Park, where many homes date back to the mid-20th century, we completed a tuckpointing project on a red brick bungalow that was experiencing mortar erosion due to years of weather exposure. We carefully removed deteriorated mortar and replaced it with a high-strength, colour-matched compound that restored both structural stability and curb appeal. In Grenville Park, we performed parging on the foundation walls of a two-storey home, applying a durable cement-based coat to seal minor cracks and improve waterproofing. These repairs not only extended the lifespan of the masonry but also enhanced the home’s insulation performance.

According to recent City of Kingston housing data, over 40% of homes were built before 1980—many of which now require masonry maintenance like tuckpointing and parging to prevent further deterioration. Our Kingston clients have seen foundation performance improve by up to 30% after parging, especially in homes exposed to moisture from Lake Ontario’s humid climate. At Masonry Kingston, we understand the unique masonry needs of older neighbourhoods and offer long-term solutions that preserve both value and aesthetics. Whether you're dealing with crumbling mortar or surface cracks, our team is ready to bring your masonry back to life with precision and care.


Overall, repointing, tuckpointing, and parging are all important techniques for maintaining the structural integrity and appearance of brick walls and chimneys. Proper maintenance and repairs can extend the life of these structures and prevent costly damage in the long run.  If you're in need of masonry services, feel free to contact us at Masonry Kingston for a free consultation.

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