How to Fix a Loose Fireplace Brick
Fireplaces should be cleaned regularly to keep them in good working order, and inspected periodically by a professional for safety reasons. Brick fireplaces are aesthetically pleasing to many but they require occasional maintenance. Over time, mortar crumbles causing bricks to loosen. No need to call in a professional to fix a few loose bricks, however. With a few supplies and a little work, do-it-yourselfers can set those bricks back into place. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Safety goggles
- Grout rake or hammer and chisel
- Old paintbrush
- Shop vacuum
- Small container or spray bottle of water
- Bucket (for mixing mortar)
- Mortar
- Tuck-pointing trowel
- Sponge
- Brick jointer
- Stiff-bristled brush
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Instructions
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Put on safety goggles. Use the grout rake or chisel to clear out the mortar around the loose brick. Work carefully so that you are only removing loose pieces of mortar a little at a time.
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Brush away mortar dust and small pieces of mortar with an old paintbrush. Then, vacuum the area to make sure it is free of dust and debris.
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Wet the area with an old paintbrush dipped in water, or spray the area with water from a spray bottle. Mortar will not stick to a dry surface.
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Mix the mortar according to the manufacturer's directions. The mortar should be the consistency of thick oatmeal. When the trowel is loaded with mortar and turned upside down, the mortar should stick to the trowel.
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Load the trowel and push mortar into the area around the loose brick. Use the pointy end to pack the mortar in further, smooth it down and then add more mortar until the area is filled.
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Use the edge of the trowel to scrape off excess mortar from the surface of the brick.
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Run the brick jointer across the mortar to smooth and shape it around the brick.
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Dampen the sponge in clear water and clean up the brick. Do not saturate the sponge. Use it to clean the brick only without touching the mortar.
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Allow the mortar to dry completely according to the manufacturer's directions. Then, use a stiff-bristled brush to clean off any mortar dust.
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Tips & Warnings
Look for mortar specially made to withstand the heat of a fireplace. As an alternative to mixing your own, use premixed mortar according to manufacturer's directions.
Don't skip the safety goggles. Mortar chips and dust can cause serious eye problems.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
