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How to Repair Crumbling Red Bricks

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wall of red brick that is crumbling with plants growing in the cracks

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.

 

How to Repair Brick Steps

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bricklayer fixing brick steps

Thanks to their charming, classic appearance, brick steps can really increase the curb appeal of your home. But like any other brick structure, they need to be cared for in order to keep them looking their best.

How to fix mortar in brick steps

If you find that the mortar between your brick steps is cracked and missing, you need to promptly repair them in order to prevent additional damage to the bricks or to the structural integrity of the steps. Mortar deteriorates naturally over time, but sometimes cracking and crumbling occurs when the wrong type of mortar was used or because the steps don’t have proper support. The way to go about repairing the mortar in brick steps can depend on what is causing the problems.

If the mortar between your brick steps is cracked and crumbling due to natural deterioration or because the wrong type of mortar was used, repointing is a great option to repair the joints. In repointing, the old mortar is removed and replaced with new mortar. This process involves several steps but is an inexpensive project for homeowners armed with the right tools and knowledge. The basic steps involved are:

  1. Cut out the masonry joints with a grinder then clean up the dust and debris.
  2. Mix up new mortar – type N is a softer, more flexible mortar that works great for brick steps.
  3. Fill the joints with the new mortar using a grout bag or masonry trowel.
  4. Press the mortar into the joints with a flat jointer.
  5. Gently brush off excess mortar.
  6. Run the flat jointer over the mortar to slick the joint, ensuring that it is sealed and waterproof.

While repointing works well when only the mortar joints need to be repaired, alternative action needs to be taken if your steps are separating or you have bricks that are loose or damaged.

How to repair brick steps

Whether you need to do brick repairs or simply reattach loose bricks, many of the same repointing steps can be followed. If your bricks are crumbling, they will need to be chiseled out, and you will need to get new bricks to match the color and style of the existing bricks. When placing the bricks into the stairs, it is essential that they are flush and level with the adjacent bricks. Pack the holes in the brick with mortar to help bonding the bricks together and use a rubber mallet and a level or straightedge to make sure everything is square.

If your brick steps are pulling away from your home, it could be a result of natural settling or a more serious foundation problem. Sometimes brick ties or jacking can be used to fix this problem, but in severe cases, the whole set of stairs may need to be rebuilt. It’s a good idea to have a professional evaluate the problem and potential solutions because uneven or sloping brick steps can pose a safety risk.