If I can scrape pieces of mortar off with my finger near the bottom of the wall, does that automatically mean it needs tuckpointing?
Answer
Not automatically, but it’s definitely a sign the mortar is breaking down. The bottom section of a wall is usually the first area to show deterioration because it takes the most moisture and weather exposure. If the mortar is soft enough to come out with your finger, it’s generally not going to improve on its own. We remove the deteriorated mortar and install new mortar so the wall can stay sealed and protected. The sooner it’s addressed, the less chance there is of nearby mortar and brick starting to deteriorate as well.
