Repairing Brick Surface

Bricks are dependable and durable masonry units holding a prominent place in human history. In fact, many historical structures built from brickwork are still standing tall and proud up until today. These brickworks help shed a light on the mysteries and secrets of yesteryears. Brickwork remains an important aspect of modern construction, specifically of residential properties. Nevertheless, brickwork requires maintenance and repair to perpetuate its appealing look and protective function.

Hiring a professional to do the work can be costly. It helps to know that you can be your own home-maintenance crew and do some do-it-yourself repairs. Some of the brick maintenance jobs you will need to do include loose wall or chimney, crumbling concrete steps, crack brick or concrete surface, and driveway potholes. Before you start the work, it is important to have the necessary materials, tools, and protective gears ready. Regardless of the extent of the damage, you will need basic items like cold chisel, heavy hammer, safety goggles, garden hose, small trowel, jointer, scrub brush, mortar mix, mortar colouring, and replacement bricks. To make a neat finish, you need to replicate the original brickwork design. Otherwise, opt to redo the entire surface. Take out the cracked or damaged block, and then clean the cut area by flushing it with water. Test mix the mortar and let it dry to see if it has the same colour as the original brickwork. Add more colouring to obtain the desired hue. Immerse the replacement or salvaged brick in water and shake off excess water. Apply mortar on the brick sides and insert it into the cut area. Smooth some more mortar all around the brick, filling in gaps. Scrape excess mortar with the trowel and create joint profile before the mortar fully solidifies.