While brick gives any facade a charming appearance, it needs to be regularly maintained and repaired to prolong its life and beauty. Crumbling bricks are not only an eyesore, but they also can result in long-term damage and structural instability.

Brick repair

Brick can last for hundreds of years when properly cared for, but the mortar in between has a much shorter lifespan. When left untreated, cracked and crumbling mortar can allow moisture to seep into the bricks, which in turn causes bricks to break down as well. The longer the brick and mortar are allowed to remain in disrepair, the more deterioration will occur. Completing brick and mortar repairs promptly can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run, so address decay when you see it. Repointing and tuckpointing are both great methods for repairing mortar and preventing further damage to your bricks. When brick is crumbling, the time and price both increases, as does the level of difficulty to complete the repairs. If the repairs are minimal, skilled DIYers might be able to complete the project on their own. However, bigger jobs or brick repairs needed on exterior, or load-bearing walls require more expertise, so search for “brick wall repair near me” to find a professional to safely get the job done.

How to repair crumbling red bricks

Whether you decide you can handle the repairs or want to hire a professional, repairing crumbling red bricks can be a time-consuming job. Understanding the steps involved is a good way to determine which is the best option for you.

• Remove the crumbling bricks: The first step is to get rid of the damaged brick. However, if several bricks need to be replaced, only do a few at a time to avoid collapsing the wall. Drill small holes in the center of the brick then use a chisel and hammer to break the brick and mortar into small pieces. Remove the pieces, clean up dust and debris, and rinse the whole area with water.

• Mix and apply the new mortar: Mix up the new mortar, making sure it is weaker than your brick and closely matches the color of the existing mortar. Use a pointing trowel to spread a 1 inch layer of mortar on the bottom of the recess along with the ends and top of the new brick. It can help to think of mortaring bricks like buttering toast.

• Insert the new brick: Slide the replacement brick into the cavity using the pointing trowel then wiggle the brick around to ensure the mortar joints as even as possible. Use a straightedge to push the brick level with the wall.

• Tool the joints: Once the mortar has hardened but is still slightly pliable, brush off the excess mortar then use a jointer tool to tool the joints so that they match the style of the existing joints.