How to Repair a Mortar Joint
Brick homes are some the highest priced and most attractive homes on the market today. The level of expertise required to create these homes makes them some the most expensive homes as well. For people that own these homes, they know there is an additional level of maintenance required to keep the home beautiful and safe. As these homes age and weather, the mortar joints age and weather as well. When the joints reach a certain point they need to be fixed. This point could be plain weathering, or in some cases they become cracked. When this happens, repair is necessary to keep the home safe. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Mason's hammer
- 1/2 inch stone chisel
- Stiff 2 inch paint brush
- Mortar mix
- Grouting bag
- Brick trowel
- Mortar joint finishing tool
Instructions
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1
Clean the damaged mortar out of the joints. Break mortar loose with hammer and chisel. Do not remove more than 3/4 inch of mortar. Removing mortar deeper than this could weaken the wall.
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2
Mix the mortar per manufacturers instructions. Mix to the consistency of peanut butter, and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Then re-mix the mortar with the brick trowel. Do not add more water.
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3
Fill the grout bag with mortar. Use the grout bag to fill the joints that have been cleaned out. Do not overfill the joints.
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4
Finish the damaged joints so they filled in to about the same level as the pristine joints. Then pack the mortar in with a trowel or leveler.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Work in shaded areas first on sunny days.
Limit the area worked on to less than 10 square feet.
Do not over water the mortar mix.
Make sure to finish joints before they dry.
If mortar mix drys out do not try to remix with water, mix new.
