Can anyone recommend a good tuckpointer?
Also, which is the proper way for the mortar to be placed between bricks. I'd always thought it should be concave, not convex.
Cheers,
Brian
Brian, The mortar should not protrude to much from the brick. Tuckpointing where the mortar sticks way out is called "European tuck pointing". I personally like they way it looks but it is bad because the moisture from the rain and snow collect in the mortar. Eventually it breaks it down.
We had Stan Guzik or Guzak do our tuckpointing. European tuckpointing. I really like it but you are right, the moisture is seeping through the mortar and it is white chalky on this one spot of the house. I didn't realize that was the reason. Do you have any suggestions on how to stop it?
Normally, the motor should be concaved (curving in). This can be done as either a U shaped curve or V joint. Avoid convex (curving out) or square joints set beyond the exposed surface of the brick, the tops of the U or V should begin at the edge of the brick. I'm not an architect or tuck-pointer, so you may want to double check my facts on this.
The white chalky material is effloresence. This is caused by water passing through the bricks or motar and dissolving mineral salts. When the water reaches a surface it evaporates leaving the minerals behind as a deposit. If you see this there is a problem. Failure to correct it could result in deterioration over time. If you had the work done recently, check with the contractor for repairs. If not you may need hire someone to figure it out.
I'm in the process of getting estimates myself. Jim Lovitt seams to have a good reputation and was competative in cost but he's not returned my calls. I'll post his contact info. if I can confirm that he still exists. I'd also be interested in hearing some more recommendations.
Any word T-Stan whether Jim Lovitt exists?
He does exist. He's scheduled to do the work this Sat. I'll let you know if he shows up, and if so, how it went.
Jim has been a no-show for his scheduled work and does not return phone calls. I'm done with that guy.
A neighbor across the street from me has a brother that does tuckpointing as side work. Young guy but he's very nice and appears to know what he's talking about. I'm hesitant to use someone with out any referals, but I may role the dice on this one. It's a very small project that is more mortar repair/patching than tuckpointing. I'll keep you posted.
I do know I don't want "European" tuckpointing. Everything I've read says the mortar should be concave, not convex.
Cheers,
Brian
We had concave tuck pointing done in 2002. While not in Berwyn, the company we used is Majestic Masonry. The owner is Kevin Masukevich. His aunt lives on our block. His number is (847) 516-5888. The work has held up great.
I used Riteway. They tuckpointed house sides and spot tuckpointed front. Clean job on sides, but I had to point out many areas on front of house they missed and they didn't bother to tuckpoint areas not visible from ground until I pointed it out. Some of these areas were critical points where water would have seeped in. They eventually did it, but I wasn't happy that I had to point out the problems.
I also used M. Weber & Son from La Grange Park to install some sleeve AC units in an apt bld. I was very happy with their work. Great job.
Quote from: Art on June 01, 2005, 12:52:12 PM
We had Stan Guzik or Guzak do our tuckpointing. European tuckpointing. I really like it but you are right, the moisture is seeping through the mortar and it is white chalky on this one spot of the house. I didn't realize that was the reason. Do you have any suggestions on how to stop it?
Sell your house and move to Oak Park.
Back,
Oh be quiet!
Why dont you move, and do Berwyn a favor.
Oh, thats right, you may be in a new house anyway, the big house.
You are such a child.....
Hi Neighbor,
I like your posts.
Quote from: Neighbor on July 26, 2005, 06:12:34 AM
Back,
Oh be quiet!
Why dont you move, and do Berwyn a favor.
Oh, thats right, you may be in a new house anyway, the big house.
You are such a child.....
"Oh, go away before someone drops a house on you too!"
Quote from: catspaws on July 27, 2005, 09:43:02 PM
Hi Neighbor,
I like your posts.
Keep lickin' yourself until ya choke on a hairball.
Back,
Whats a matter, are you afraid you are going to go to jail, dont forget they have it all on tape. Is Daddy still behind you little boy?
Got some candy ready for the "big boys?"
Quote from: Neighbor on July 29, 2005, 04:46:25 PM
Back,
Whats a matter, are you afraid you are going to go to jail, dont forget they have it all on tape. Is Daddy still behind you little boy?
Got some candy ready for the "big boys?"
Sounds like you know a thing or two about "candy" and "big boys."
"...Won't you please, won't you please, please won't you be my neighbor..."
I'm getting all "tingly" waiting for Mr. McFeel-me to bring me my package from Fredericks of Hollywood.
Back,
If you are a woman, I think you have a problem.
Quote from: Neighbor on July 26, 2005, 06:12:34 AM
Back,
Oh be quiet!
Why dont you move, and do Berwyn a favor.
Oh, thats right, you may be in a new house anyway, the big house.
You are such a child.....
I know a guy that does "cement" work...you want I should send him over?
Anyone have a new referral for tuckpointing? I need entire house done bad. Looking for a good job
and good price.
Riteway just did work for the Berwyn Historical Society and it seemed to be pretty good. 1401 Grove is the address if you want to swing by and look for yourself.
Stanislaw Guzik 773-286-1522 Absolutely not the cheapest. But absolutely the best.
Not completely happy with Guzik, they missed a few things. I have "chalky" tuckpointing in some spots and we're missing flashing on the chimney, otherwise they were pretty good and pricing was reasonable.
Thanks Tony,
Stan just left. Responded to my call very fast (was nearby when i called). His price was not lowest or highest for estimates i received (2). Think i found the one. Thanks
Also, Guzik's workers do not speak English (or Spanish for that matter) and they are not very friendly (one of them called me a very bad name in Polish when I asked help me move something that was in the way of their work.) Also, be aware of where they use the bathroom, they do not carry port-o-johns and in my case were very fond of using the alley where my neighbors and their children could see them.
Ana,
Did they repair the things you did not like?
This is the first bad report I have ever heard about this guy. He is 1st on every person everyone I know uses or refers. If you drive around Berwyn and look up at the side of many buildings you will see his name on a metal plate. Time tested, fabulous work.