How to Repair Brick Walls
Brick walls can crack for a variety of reasons. Cosmetic cracks that don't affect structural integrity are easy to fix, but structural damage requires professional masonry work.
Loose or crumbling mortar can be repaired with a process called repointing. Missing or damaged bricks need to be replaced. Mortar sets best in mild temperatures.
Preparation
Brick walls are easy to assemble with basic hand tools, but they can be difficult to repair correctly. Even a small crack or chip can grow worse over time and lead to structural damage to the home.
Tuckpointing is the process of filling the joints in a brick wall with fresh mortar to prevent further damage and extend the life of the structure. To do this, you must first remove the old mortar. You can do this by using a hammer and cold chisel or a flat utility chisel with a relief cut.
Once the old mortar is removed, mix the new mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions and use a pointing trowel to "butter" the bottom and both sides of the existing opening with about an inch of mortar. When the mortar is firm to the touch, brush diagonally across it to remove any dry crumbs. Tarp the repaired area and mist it daily to keep the mortar moist while it cures.
Breaking Out the Old Mortar
The mortar joints between bricks need to be chiseled out and replaced, a process called repointing. This is usually needed when the brick wall has shifted, a sign of serious structural damage that requires the attention of a professional. Cosmetic cracks in brick walls are also important to repair because they allow moisture into the brick, leading to water damage over time.
While wearing eye protection and leather gloves, use a mason's chisel to break apart the old mortar, starting at the top of the brick wall and working down. Be careful not to damage the surrounding bricks. Once the old mortar is removed, scrub the openings with a wire brush and vacuum them clean of any loose dust and debris. Rinse the cleaned area with water, then tarp it to protect it from weather while the new mortar cures. Lightly mist the tarp and the surrounding brick wall each day to keep it damp.
Filling the Joints
Many brick walls develop cracks in the mortar due to weather extremes. While cosmetic cracks are often a minor inconvenience, structural cracks can pose a serious threat to the integrity of your home’s structure. A professional can help you repair and maintain your brick walls for years to come.
If the cracks are in a textured wall, make sure to use a patching mix that matches the existing texture. Otherwise, the patch will stand out from the rest of the wall and look sloppy and unprofessional.
Mix the new mortar according to the product’s instructions, adding water gradually as you mix. When the mortar is thick enough to hold the tip of a trowel, add concrete pigment or brick dust until it matches the color of your brick wall.
Tool the fresh mortar with a jointer tool to match the size and shape of the old joints in your brick wall. Spray the brick with water before using the pointing trowel to fill in the joint, ensuring that you don’t leave any empty voids.
Finishing
Even long-lasting, low-maintenance brick walls need some repair work from time to time. A shifting foundation, faulty construction or just age can cause brick to crumble and break apart, and these problems can lead to structural damage if not repaired properly.
The best way to maintain a brick wall is by keeping the mortar joints intact, which can be done with tuck-pointing. This process involves cleaning out old mortar, removing loose bricks and packing new mortar into the joints.
Lastly, you should finish the repaired area by brushing or sponge-texturing the mortar to blend it with the surrounding wall for a smooth, polished appearance. After finishing the repairs, it's a good idea to protect the wall from excessive moisture and direct sunlight to allow it to cure properly. This will prolong the life of the brick and help prevent future problems.
Brick walls can crack for a variety of reasons. Cosmetic cracks that don't affect structural integrity are easy to fix, but structural damage requires professional masonry work. Loose or crumbling mortar can be repaired with a process called repointing. Missing or damaged bricks need to be replaced. Mortar sets best in mild temperatures. Preparation Brick…