How to Repair a Brick Mortar Joint Walkway

Because walkways are always exposed to the outdoor elements, they require regular maintenance. Loose or chipped mortar is an eyesore, but down the road it can also become a hazard. With mortar joint walkways, the joints are more stable. This makes them a little more difficult to fix than, say, sand bed walkways--but it's always possible.

Things You'll Need

• Chisel
• Sledgehammer
• Brush
• Jointer
• Cheap pan
• Pre-mixed mortar or a mortar mix
• Mortar bag or cake icing bag with decorating tip

Instructions

1. Locate the damaged mortar around the bricks for removal. You will have to use your sledgehammer and chisel to get rid of all of the bad mortar. Pound out the old mortar carefully so you don't chip your bricks.

2. Clean up after chiseling. Bricks do not have to be removed unless you plan to replace one. Take your brush to sweep the pieces of lose mortar from the cracks.

3. Make new mortar inside your old pan. You can use the ingredients listed above. If you are mixing your own, use more sand than cement. You must also add water to make it usable for joints. Mix per the directions.

4. Fill your mortar bag or a cake-icing bag with the mixture. If you are using an icing bag and tip (use the proper tip to fill the crack cleanly), make sure it is something you do not plan to use again. Slowly squeeze the bag, pointing the tip into the cracks where your new mortar needs to go. Do this as evenly as possible.

5. Use your jointer to strike, beginning at the old joints and making your way to the new ones. This will make your newly redone joints look more like your old ones.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when filling cracks with the mortar mixture. Mortar is not easy to clean off bricks.