What is the process of cutting off defective mortar joints and replacing them with new mortar called?

The process of cutting out defective mortar joints and replacing them with new mortar is referred to as tuckpointing. This method is commonly used to improve the appearance of masonry and ensure the integrity of a structure. Tuckpointing involves filling the joints with a new mortar that matches the existing mortar in color and texture, creating a visually appealing finish while also reinforcing the masonry.

Pointing generally refers to the act of finishing the mortar joints to create a specific textured appearance, but it doesn't specifically involve replacing defective mortar. Joint sealing, on the other hand, is primarily focused on protecting joints from water infiltration and weathering rather than the repair of defective mortar. Repointing is often used interchangeably with tuckpointing, but the terminology can vary regionally, and it's essential to know that tuckpointing specifically refers to a method that combines both the aesthetic and structural repair of masonry joints.