Category Archives: beaded joint

UPDATE: Tuckpointing Map

beaded joint, Brick, foundation, Historic Ithaca, Ithaca, Natural Hydraulic Lime, Preservation, Restoration, Ribbon, Tuckpointing

Just updated my google map. its not 100% compleate but with over 35 examples in the Ithaca, NY area and few outside it’s not so bad. What has been excluded is the many examples found under porches and paint in Ithaca, NY. Those examples really stain the eye. The map also does not include places where evidence is not aparent but architecturally would make sense to have tuckpointing. This is based on the facade and time of construction. There are other building in Ithaca, NY that more than likely had Tuckpointing (Bordman House) but were only repointed last century.

Tuckpointing Examples and where to find them

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zshPC73Sj61Q.k2dT9CgHFWmg&usp=sharing

Tuckpointing: Stone Foundation at 420 Seneca St.

beaded joint, foundation, Tuckpointing, , , , , ,

This is a great example of tuckpointing, in that it was done to what might be relegated today as an unworthy section of the house. Looking at the entire area of exposed stone it’s amazing that the time and effort would have been put into such a small area. With only a few square feet exposed directly to the street to be seen by pedestrians and much of the surface area exposed to the neighboring house, it exemplifies the perfection sought out by builders and the expectations owners had of craftsmanship.

What’s also great about this example is the cross section that can be seen on the exposed and worn corner, showing the beaded joint profile.

Tuckpointing: N. Plain St. and Seneca St.

beaded joint, foundation, Ithaca, Ribbon, Tuckpointing

Here is an example of some Tuckpointing done on the stone foundation of an INHS owned building at the corner of N. Plain St. and Seneca St.

While it might not obvious at first this work was meant to simulate well cut Ashlar stonework. What is interesting here is use of a straightedge to produce crisp 90° angles and sharp straight ribbons. Also, the work done here is not a crisp bead as in other examples but more of a true flat ribbon, which is more akin to tuckpointing associated with brickwork.

With this level of decay only a small portion of the original article is left behind and is clearly in need of a repointing campaign, and should be finished in a true tuckpointed finish.

Tuckpointing and bonus foundation: Rochester, NY

beaded joint, Brick, foundation, Tuckpointing, , , , , , ,

On a recent visit to Rochester, NY I noticed this gem of a building. While at first sight it may appear ordinary in its joint profile, further examination under the porch showed evidence of a well done tuckpoint joint, that has faded. there is also some evidence of a colorwash or stain that was applied to the brickwork and stopping mortar and has since faded. Alternatively this could be evidence that the red stopping mortar incorporated a red pigment which has almost completely faded. Only the proper sampling and examination of one of these mortar joints could offer some complete answer.

 

Also notice the pictures of a limestone foundation with a black beaded joint profile. This building is located behind the tuckpointed prick building. In fact you can see the rear of the building in the last photo.