How to Replace Bricks Set in Mortar
Bricks form the foundation of many structures around the home, including fireplaces and interior and exterior walls, among others. Although bricks are one of the more durable building materials, they can fail over time. If you have bricks that are cracked or crumbling, replacing them as soon as possible is the best option. If the bricks are set in mortar, as most are, you must first detach them, which requires a bit of force and special masonry saws. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
- Diamond-tipped blade
- Circular saw
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Wire brush
- Bucket
- Mortar mix
- Water
- Trowel
- Grout bag
- Mortar jointing tool
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Instructions
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Put on work gloves and safety glasses, and then install a diamond-tipped blade in a circular saw.
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Plug in the saw and turn it on. Squeeze the trigger to start the blade spinning, and then lower it toward the mortar on one side of the bricks you are replacing. Hold the saw blade steady to cut at least 1/2 to 1 inch into the mortar.
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Remove the saw blade and reposition it on the right side of the bricks to cut into the mortar there as well. Repeat the process on all sides of the bricks you are removing.
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Insert the tip of a chisel into the cut mortar at the top of the bricks. Hit the chisel with a hammer to further loosen the mortar. Work your way around the brick until it is loose, and then pull it out from the wall.
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Examine the hole for any remaining chunks of mortar and remove them with the chisel. Brush the hole with a wire brush to remove the dust.
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Fill a bucket with a dry mortar mix and add water until it forms the consistency of mashed potatoes.
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Scoop up 1 cup of mortar, using a trowel, and spread it into the bottom of the hole until it is 1/2 inch thick. Pick up a new brick and insert it into the hole as far to the left as possible. Lay another brick next to it, spacing it 1/2 inch from the first.
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Fill a grout bag with 1 to 2 cups of mortar and place the tip between the bricks. Squeeze the bag to fill the center gap completely with mortar.
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Continue laying new bricks and filling around them with mortar until the hole is filled. Stagger the joints on each row so they do not all line up.
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Wait until the mortar dries enough that you feel resistance when you press it. Place a mortar jointing tool in each mortar line and push down gently while pulling it along the line. This smooths the mortar and creates a professional appearance.
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Tips & Warnings
If your home is old, it's a good idea to remove one brick and locate a replacement. Since brick colors vary by batch, matching the color may be difficult. Try looking at brickyards and salvage companies in addition to traditional home improvement and hardware stores.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
