How to Repair Brick Wall Mortar
Over time, mortar may become weak and begin to break down. It is important to replace the mortar as soon as possible to keep the same strong bond between the brick joints. The following will help in your efforts to repair a brick wall. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Paint scraper
- Cement
- Sand
- Trowel
- Pointing tool
- Hose
- Rake with wheels or a 1/2 inch pipe
- Small broom
- Muriatic acid
- Safety glasses
- Rubber gloves
Instructions
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1
Remove the old loose mortar with a paint scraper.
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2
Sweep the small remaining mortar bits out with a small broom.
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3
Mix a small amount of mortar to repair the joints.
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4
Match the color to the existing mortar.
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5
Make the mortar's consistency like toothpaste.
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6
Wet each joint with a spray of water.
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7
Place some mortar on a trowel.
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Place the trowel within the joints of the bricks.
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9
Push the mortar in with a pointing tool.
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10
Fill it completely.
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11
Flatten the mortar to make it level with the other joints with a rake with wheels.
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12
Allow it to sit 10 minutes.
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13
Sweep the joints of loose materiel.
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14
Allow it to dry over night.
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15
Remove any residue left on the bricks with muriatic acid.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Some experts use a piping bag to fill the joints.
A 1/2 inch pipe also works well when concaving the surface to make it level with the adjoining mortar.
A recipe for a small batch of mortar is 3 parts cement with 1 part sand.
Mortar repair may also be bought pre-made.
Wear glasses and rubber gloves when applying the muriatic acid. It is VERY dangerous.
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Comments
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In order to get a proper depth for tuckpointing you will need to either grind out the joints with a diamond blade or chisel out with tuckpointing chisel. The joints will then need to be washed out with water to get rid of all dust and debris. Use a type S cement or type n with portland as these will have more bond strength then straight portland. Mix mortar stiffer then they have suggested or you will stain you masonry. DO NOT use straight muriatic acid on bricks it will have to diluted with water in a 1/10 acid to water ratio(always pour acid into water), you will also need to wash the area again with water after the acid has been applied.
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I am doing the out side wall of the brick basement. I have dug down 2 feet. I will re point then water proff with some kind of rubber barrier.
