How to Replace Thin Brick
Thin brick, or brick veneer, is a facing meant to make a structure look like it is made of brick. In reality, brick veneer is not in any way structural; it is cosmetic. The actual structure of a brick veneer house -- whether wood or concrete -- can be found under the veneer. The depth of brick veneer varies, and so replacing it necessitates removing a section of the veneer to determine the correct replacement size. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Chisel around the thin brick you want to replace by using your smallest mason's bolster. Scrape out crumbling mortar with a work glove, and then chisel again. Chip out a line of mortar around the brick. Be careful not to damage the bricks in the vicinity of your work.
-
2
Switch to a larger mason's bolster, and use it to remove as much mortar from the cavity as you can remove.
-
-
3
Pull the brick gently from the cavity. If it won't come out, continue to chisel the mortar until you can remove the brick.
-
4
Measure the depth of the removed thin brick. Take the brick to a brick veneer supplier, and find the brick's replacement by matching its depth and color to the supplier's brick veneer.
-
5
Mix mortar in a bucket according to the mortar manufacturer's instructions.
-
6
Scoop mortar onto a trowel, and fill the sides and the back of the brick veneer cavity with the mortar.
-
7
Insert the replacement thin brick in the cavity, and press it into the wall until the mortar squeezes out the sides. Use the trowel to scrape off the excess mortar.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use a mortar mixer to mix mortar. A mortar mixer is a drill attachment that works like a blender blade.
Use work gloves when working with wet mortar. Mortar can cause chemical burns, so don't allow it to touch your skin.
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
