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.