The most common reason for tuck pointing is to prevent water penetration through de-bonded, cracked or deteriorated mortar joints.
The average mortar joint can last up to 20 years. Brick, on the other hand, can last for over 100 years, resulting in the necessary occasional repair of the mortar joints.
Certain levels of exposure to weather and other exterior elements may require more or less frequent repairs. Conditions such as freezing and thawing, wind, and rain can erode mortar joints. Frequent wetting is the most common reason for deteriorated mortar.
The proper compressive strength of the brick and mortar must be determined to ensure that if there is slight movement in the exterior façade, the mortar cracks and the brick doesn’t. If the mortar has a higher compressive strength then the brick will crack during movement and result in a more costly repair.