How to Repair a Brick Walkway

Brick walkways can be repaired by simply removing the broken pavers.

Brick walkways can add attractive old-time charm to your landscape. They are also durable and can last for a long time. But like any walkway, accidents can happen, resulting in cracks and fractures. If one of the pavers in your walkway is damaged, don't fret. With a replacement brick and the right tools, you can replace the damaged brick and add a new one in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Chisel
• Hammer
• Shop vacuum
• Water spray bottle
• Replacement brick
• Mortar
• Trowel
• Rubber mallet
• Level
• Grout bag
• Jointing tool

Instructions

1. Start by chiseling away at the mortar surrounding the broken brick paver. Use a chisel and hammer to lightly chip away the mortar. Point the chisel in the direction of the broken paver so that you do not chip or break neighboring pavers.

2. With the mortar broken away, try and pry the brick out with the chisel. If the brick won't budge, use the hammer to break the brick into pieces. Be careful when hammering at the brick. If you pound too hard, you could damage nearby bricks. Remove the smaller pieces of the brick from the hole.

3. With the brick removed, chisel away at any of the dried mortar that is inside the hole. The inside of the hole must be smooth before putting in the replacement brick. Use a shop vacuum to clean up any pieces of cracked brick or mortar left in the hole.

4. Make sure the new brick is the correct size for the hole. Then use a spray bottle filled with water to dampen the area inside the hole. The inside of the hole should be moist before adding new mortar.

5. Mix a batch of mortar and spread it inside the hole with a trowel. Cover the bottom and sides of the hole with mortar. Then press the brick into the hole. In order to get the brick level with the neighboring bricks, use a rubber mallet and gently pound the brick in place. Then use a straightedge or level to make sure that the brick is level with the rest of the walkway. Allow the new brick to dry in the mortar for 24 hours.

6. After the mortar behind the brick has dried, mix another batch of mortar and put it in a grout bag. Use the bag to fill the joints around the new brick with mortar. Use the trowel again to smooth out the mortar. Then use a jointing tool to smooth the mortar around the brick. A jointing tool allows you to create the contoured edges that are commonly found around mortared bricks. Clean the excess mortar with water and allow the joints to dry overnight.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have extra bricks, you can purchase new ones by visiting a local brickyard. Take the damaged brick to the brickyard and try and find a replacement that matches the old brick.

• When it comes to determining the type of mortar to use, look for Type S mortar. According to Cement.org, this mortar is best for outdoor projects such as walkways.

• If you want to give the mortar around the replacement brick a concave look, you can either use a jointing tool or toothbrush with a rounded end. The goal is to contour the edges around the brick to give it a clean look.

References

• "The Complete Guide to Patios: Plan, Build and Maintain"; Philip Schmidt; 2007
• "Start-To-Finish Patios"; Ortho; 2004

Resources

• Cement.org