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Vents that connect the interior of a house to the exterior can function as unintentional areas of heat loss. For vents that are being used, this is unavoidable. You can reduce unnecessary heat loss by removing old vents and covering over them on the outside surface of your home. After removing a vent covering from a brick wall, you can fill in the space where the vent was to counteract heat loss and make the wall look better.
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.
Removing an aluminum frame from brick, whether it's for a door or window, is a challenge that you could face when updating your home. Removing the aluminum frame requires that the frame be exposed so all of the trim on all sides of the frame need to be out of the way before you can get down to business.
Over many years, your brick stoop will absorb moisture from rain and snow. In freezing weather, the water in the mortar will freeze. You can prevent further damage to your brick stoop by removing old mortar and replacing it with new mortar -- a process called repointing. If you wait too long, this continued freezing and thawing may cause the bricks to crack. Refacing the stoop by replacing damaged brick is the only way to fix this problem.
Fireplace mantels are the finishing touch to a firebox opening and consist of a single horizontal shelf or a surround with legs attached. If your mantel is damaged or outdated, consider replacing it with a sturdy new one. The first step is to remove the old mantel from the brick wall. Detaching the mantel from brick requires that you pry it free from the screws and wood that hold it in place.
Any structure made of brick can become weakened and break apart as the mortar between the bricks cracks and weakens. After you brick mailbox has fallen victim to weak mortar, you must reset it to restore the mailbox to its original sturdiness. In the future, keep an eye out for loose bricks on the mailbox or cracks in the mortar. You can remove the loose bricks and reset them to avoid having the reset the entire structure later.
A fireplace can be an eyesore in a room, especially if it uses dated styles and materials. Remodeling a fireplace usually requires getting rid of the old mantle and fireplace facade, whether it is brick or stone. Mantels are usually a single piece of wood set on a brick or stone ledge or else set as a surround for the fire box. Removing a mantel and brick facade from a fireplace isn't very difficult, but it does take some physical strength to wield a mallet and chisel.
Skim coats are thin layers of cement or drywall joint compound placed over a brick wall to smooth the brick surface, either as a finishing touch or to create a surface suitable for the placement of wall tiles or paneling. The coat hardens into a solid surface that can be difficult to remove. A hammer and chisel, combined with a pressure washer, can make quick but messy work of the removal process by chipping away the skim coating in sections to free the brick face of the wall beneath.
Cutting a brick from an existing wall requires attention to detail; if you damage surrounding bricks or remove mortar from the wrong area, you might compromise the wall's strength or cause problems that necessitate additional repairs. The key to removing a single brick is to limit your mortar removal to the perimeter of the brick you're working on. With its perimeter clear, a brick easily falls or slides from the wall. Several hand and power tools are suitable for mortar removal or cutting directly through brick, including traditional hammer and chisel and handheld grinding tools. Learn about standard cutting techniques…
A brick facade on a house makes the structure appear to be made completely of brick. The word "facade" means an artificial or deceptive front of a building, so a brick facade is merely a decorative feature for the exterior. If homeowners want to demolish the existing brick veneer, it is not very difficult to do. Among the reasons homeowners might want to remove an existing brick facade is to eliminate problems caused by an old or improperly installed facade, upgrade the appearance of the home or begin remodels or repairs. Understanding what brick veneer facades are and how they…
Z-brick is a brand of thin brick veneer manufactured by the Zygrove Corporation. Mounted with mortar to a drywall surface, Z-bricks give the appearance of a brick wall without the heavy weight or high cost of an actual brick installation. Once in place, the Z-brick can last decades with minimal maintenance needed for its upkeep due to the strength of the veneer pieces and the mortar holding it in place. This strength can be a problem when removing the Z-brick, though. Because the mortar holds the brick so firmly in place, removal requires stripping away of the Z-brick and removal…
Broken bricks in the wall of the chimney in your fireplace should be removed and replaced promptly. If left in disrepair, the cracks will allow the buildup of creosote behind the chimney wall, which can ignite from an errant spark. The bricks in the chimney are designed to withstand the super-high temperatures of a fireplace. The walls and masonry behind the chimney, protected by the refractory bricks, will not withstand such high temperatures. Remove and repair cracked and broken bricks so the interior wall of the chimney can continue to protect the materials behind it.
Soot damage is among the most visible and problematic issues when it comes to cleaning a home. Whether it comes from a fireplace or accidental fire, soot is especially difficult to remove from porous substances such as brick. Using a torch to remove soot from brick is an option but only in specific instances and when other methods fail to work.
While ivy-covered brick can be aesthetically pleasing, the little suckers that attach to the wall, particularly with Boston ivy, can be a nuisance. If you decide to remove the ivy, simply pulling the ivy suckers from the brick can damage the structure. If the ivy dies from natural causes, the vines dry out and the suckers rot. These rotten suckers then oxidize and stain your brick. Once the suckers have oxidized, removal is a difficult, time-consuming project.
When modern homes have a stone facade, it's usually made of fake stone, also called veneer. Stone veneer is concrete that is cast to look like stone; it is attached to the surface of a wall with mortar. If you want to restore your home's original brick facade, you'll need some time and tools to remove the veneer.
Brick pavers add visual appeal and charm to driveways and walkways. A less expensive asphalt driveway is as functional as one made of brick, yet not as attractive. While you might be willing to accept tire marks on an asphalt driveway, letting the dark marks remain on a brick driveway detracts from the surface’s overall charm. Fortunately, it is possible to scrub off the marks using common household products. Before cleaning the bricks, always test the cleaning product on an inconspicuous area, to make sure the cleaner won’t discolor the surface.
The white scale that sometimes occurs on brick is known as efflorescence and is caused by soluble salts in the bricks that migrate to the surface as a white crust. The salt may have been present in the bricks at the time they were manufactured, or the salts may be present in the current environment. De-icing salts are a common example of salts in the environment. The bricks absorb the salts which form a white scale. When removing efflorescence, start with the mildest cleaning method. Clean a small area and check for damage. Hire a professional to use chemical or…
Brick fronts are created by attaching thin brick veneer onto a surface, creating the illusion of thick solid bricks without having to pay the price or use the expertise of bricklayers for the veneer placement. This veneer can last for decades with little maintenance but the material is not as strong as it would appear. Removal of a brick front is laborious but not very difficult. With a chisel and mallet you can break the brick front away, clearing the surface beneath for whatever alternate covering you desire, from siding to tiles to a new layer of veneer.
Brick streets were a common sight in the late 1800s when automobiles were becoming popular on the roads. As time went on, though, and the speeds of traffic increased, many of the brick roads were covered over with asphalt to reduce noise levels and facilitate the need for a smoother road. If the asphalt needs to be removed, you're going to need some special equipment and a lot of work to pull the asphalt off without harming the brick road underneath.
Brick walls, or brick accent features such as fireplaces, sometimes no longer fit the needs or desires of the homeowner. Removing the old brick allows the use of new materials to update the look of the room or wall. Removing the old bricks is not a difficult process but does require some physical strength, and may create a dusty mess.
Brick walls are quite durable, but they are only as durable as their weakest spot. The weak spots within brick walls are the mortar joints, meaning the concrete strips that surround each brick. Over time, mortar joints deteriorate naturally. If repeatedly exposed to water, the water will gradually work its way through the mortar and the wall will leak. To fix the leak, you must remove the existing brick and replace it with a new one with fresh mortar. With the wall repaired, you should take preventative measures to ensure that the wall will not require attention again for several…
Homeowners wishing to expose more of a wall or carpet under a hearth on an oversized fireplace can do so by removing some of the bricks. In instances where a fireplace was built over an existing space, carpet, tile or even hardwood may be concealed. To make a fireplace more appropriate to the size of the room, you can remove the outer bricks. Though this may seem like a difficult task, it is quite simple but will be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
All BlackBerry smartphones come with several vital applications, such as the Web browser, Email setup and MemoPad. Others, such as the Pong-esque game BrickBreaker, may not be as useful. Unlike some preloaded programs on the phone, you do have the option to delete BrickBreaker, allowing you to free up some memory on the phone's cramped storage space. Use your BlackBerry's built-in application management tool to remove the game from your phone.
Whether you are moving into an older home that has grout that you don’t like or you have been living in a house where the grout has eroded or worn out over time, there are occasions when you will need to remove the grout to replace it. There are a variety of tools you can use, depending on your personal preference and budget.
Bricks come from the supplier in cubes of 500 bricks each. The bricks are held together in the cube by straps which have to be cut to gain access to the material. Most brick manufacturers use plastic straps about 1 inch thick, while some still work with the older style of metal straps.
As tar cools, it hardens, leaving a rocklike hold on surfaces like brick. Removing the dried tar involves softening the substance so it can release from the brick. Tar can deposit deep into small crevices in porous brick, making it difficult to remove without dissolving it first. Use products to liquefy the tar for easier removal.
The Blaze King stove uses fire bricks to maintain heat and protect the steel surface of the stove just like any other wood stove. When you notice the fire bricks beginning to crumble in several spots, it is time to replace them. This requires laying the new bricks in the same manner as the existing ones are laid. While the owner's manual depicts the layout of the bricks, it is possible to create your own arrangement as you replace the existing bricks. Fire bricks are available at most wood stove dealers.
Brick pathways add charm to any yard as a durable, practical and long-lasting addition to the landscape. Brick is an environmentally friendly material and easy to work with as repairs are needed. What causes bricks to buckle in a pathway is the roots of trees growing up through the walkway or too much moisture pushing the bricks out of place. By replacing a few of the bricks in the damaged area on occasion, a brick pathway looks brand new as soon as you're finished. With a few tools and a little know-how, any pathway can be restored in an afternoon.
Since vines add fairy-tale charm to brick walls, many homeowners let vines grow freely. Vines eventually become overgrown, however, and ultimately cover entire brick walls. The longer vines remain attached to brick, the more embedded their tendrils and roots become in brick and mortar. Since old vines are more developed, they are capable of weakening brick and widening cracks in brick joints. Aged brick is particularly vulnerable to vine-related damage. Remove old vines from brick to extend its lifespan.
According to Geology.com, fossilized, calcium-shell remains of algae and microscopic single-cell creatures called foram create light, chalky-textured limestone. Light limestone has a soft body and light white or gray appearance. Since the material is softer than other limestone strains, different kinds of mortars and additional maintenance are required.
Excess mortar is a problem with almost all stone and brick installations, which is why it's important to wipe up damp mortar during the install. If you have excess mortar that has dried onto the surface, more extensive cleaning techniques are required. The mortar removal process must be performed carefully since it involves the use of harsh acids that can cause injury if used improperly. However, the acid will effectively dissolve the mortar and restore the surface.
Whether you are removing bricks because they have heavy stains or you simply want to relocate them, their removal can be a tedious task. The substance that holds bricks in place is referred to as mortar. Once hardened, this substance is difficult to remove, but you cannot reuse a brick until the mortar is gone. According to AsktheBuilder.com, the most effective way to remove mortar from brick is to use acid.
Pressure washing brick is one of the easiest ways to maintain the fresh and clean look of the brick. Regular cleaning can help uphold the newly-built look of your house for years, but that look can come at a price. If improper methods were used to mix the mortar, or if there has been decay over time in the joints, for example, pressure washing can have some detrimental side effects in regards to the mortar that holds the bricks together.
There are a few heavy bits of machinery that you need in your arsenal if you have a serious wood hobby, and one of those is a Makita table saw. Makita makes a tables saw that makes mitering and ripping boards easy as pie. But Makita table saws do have their problems. When an issue arises, knowing the correct troubleshooting techniques will prevent further damage to your machine and get you back to your work.
Distinguished by its slender stalks and dark green leaves, Boston ivy is the most prevalent type of climbing ivy. Boston ivy uses its gripping tendrils to climb the exterior walls of buildings. Although climbing ivy can beautify home exteriors, its roots eventually damage bricks, mortar and other masonry. Removal of ivy is vital to the preservation of masonry surfaces. Simply removing ivy leaves and stems is not enough, as tiny roots and fuzzy tendrils remain firmly adhered to walls. Since ivy roots become more firmly stuck onto walls over time, you should remove the roots promptly using basic supplies.
If you are remodeling your home or starting a new landscaping project and a brick wall stands in your way, you can dismantle it yourself. You don't need heavy construction equipment or to hire a licensed contractor. Once you know the brick wall is not a necessary load-bearing structure, you can dismantle it brick by brick using only a few masonry tools. A few friends' help will speed up dismantling the wall.
Silly string is a fun, foam party favor that is sprayed out of a can. This allows children to spray each other with the foamy string without creating too much of a mess. The silly string can typically be pulled off skin, hair and clothing in a clump that leaves behind no residue. But when it gets stuck onto a brick surface and dries, removing the silly string requires some effort.
Known for its flexibility and bond strength, mortar holds bricks, concrete blocks and other individual masonry units together. Accidental mortar spills and smears, however, leave mortar deposits on brick and other masonry surfaces during masonry repairs. Mortar is a mixture of cement, water, hydrated lime and sand, which bonds to masonry as it cures. The bond between mortar deposits and masonry increases over time, making the deposits increasingly harder to remove from masonry. Promptly remove mortar deposits from brick and other masonry.
You might decide to remove bricks from an area for any number of reasons -- to install a window or add newer, nondamaged bricks, for instance. Try not to ruin any existing bricks that you intend to keep -- this is tricky, but easily done if you are careful. You can even use the leftover nondamaged bricks you remove as replacement bricks in the future if you work carefully.
Recognized for their energy efficiency, superior performance and authentic appearance, brick walls do not rot, corrode, warp or burn. Although essentially impenetrable, brick walls' appearance can become blemished with undesired mortar beds. Mortar beds are generally used to bond masonry, such as brick or tile, to surfaces, and they become harder as they set. Thin mortar beds are simpler to remove than thick mortar beds. Remove a mortar bed from a brick wall, using the correct tools and an acidic solution.
Distinguished for its endurance, dense growth and weather tolerance, ivy adds a burst of color to dull winter landscapes. Left unattended, ivy climbs trees and any structure the its tiny roots can grip. Although ivy can aesthetically enhance structural walls, it rapidly spreads and completely dominates wall surfaces. Ivy's durable roots and tendrils also penetrate old mortar and bricks, causing brick walls to crack and disintegrate. Proper control of ivy prevents brick damage and keeps brick walls appearing well maintained. Get ivy off of brick using mechanical control methods.
The brick areas on the outside of your home might have a certain natural and unique look when they are covered in ivy. However, the longer you let that ivy grow, the less likely it is that you will ever be able to completely remove it. You might also get to the point where you no longer enjoy the ivy on the exterior brick surface like you used to. Removing the ivy can be a heavy duty job, but with effort you can eventually reveal your beautiful brick underneath.
Pavers are installed using a variety of mortars based on intended use and environmental conditions. These conditions will require the use of different mortar for the specific application. Knowing which mortars to use for your paver installation will help ensure a successful project completion. Each of these mortars can be purchased at any hardware store that supplies masonry products.
Crumbling or broken sidewalk bricks are not only an eyesore -- they're a hazard. To keep your home walkways or sidewalks looking neat, remove and replace damaged bricks. Extracting bricks from the walk requires effort, and stubborn bricks may need additional help from a brick-extracting tool. Undertake this work on a clear day when no rain is forecast. Have replacement bricks on hand before you begin, so you don't leave gaps in your sidewalk.
Graffiti, if done with respect and with permission can be a great form of artistic expression. Unwanted graffiti, however, can become an eyesore and an invitation for others to paint their mark on your brick walls. If you have graffiti on your brick wall and you want to remove it, rest assured it is possible. With the right process, you can make your walls look as they did before they were painted.
Ivy growing up the side of a brick structure, including chimneys, softens the edges, can complement the design of your landscape and presents curb appeal. If the structure is old and the masonry has weakened with age, however, the ivy roots can grow into small cracks, widen the cracks and give water an opportunity to penetrate. Removing the ivy every few years helps to avoid this situation and keeps the growth under control. This is not a quick process, but you can complete it with a little time and hard work.
Fig ivy, also known as creeping fig, is often planted against brick home exteriors. When the ivy climbs up the brick, it adds beauty and depth to the wall. But fig ivy is an aggressive grower. As its aerial roots age and thicken, they may penetrate and crack the brick. And their thick foliage may harbor insects and reptiles. If your fig ivy has to go, resist the temptation to pull it from the brick. This will cause more damage. Instead, cut it back, and carefully scrape the clinging roots from the brick.
Distinguished for its waxy leaves, tough stems and yearlong green foliage, ivy is favored among gardeners. When allowed to grow, ivy climbs brick walls and eventually covers them with thick foliage. Although ivy does not affect sturdy brick walls, the vines can expand existing cracks in crumbling mortar and loose bricks, allowing moisture penetration. Removal of ivy from surfaces is necessary when bricks become too overgrown or are structurally unsound. You can clean ivy from bricks using basic techniques.
Makita is a company that produces a variety of tools, including a selection of table saws. These table saws are electric and made to quickly cut large pieces of wood. They fit into most workshops and are a common tool for homeowners who like to build and remodel. They are also capable of handling industrial jobs. Sometimes, these tools malfunction or become worn. The repair method for the Makita table saw line is fairly straightforward and the same for each model.
Instead of hiring a contractor to cut stone for dry stone walls, cut it yourself. A dry stone wall does not use mortar to bind the stones together. When cutting the stone, placing them on a soft bed, such as, soft grass on the ground will absorb some of the shock when you strike it. When cutting the stone, take into account, a standard chisel and hammer are too light to complete this project; instead using mason's tools will help aid in cutting the stone. Allow ample time to complete cutting stone for the dry stone walls, as rushing this…
No matter how careful you are, it's almost inevitable that while laying limestone blocks some mortar will dry on the surface. While the mortar causes no damage to the limestone, it is unsightly and greatly detracts from the appearance. Unfortunately, because mortar is designed to hold the blocks together, the rock-hard consistency is challenging to remove. You can remove mortar from limestone using corrosive acids to dissolve it.
Mortar stains often take the shape of drips and drabs, which are unsightly and uncomfortable to walk over. They're a common problem after the installation of pavers and can ruin the look of your limestone. You don't have to hire someone to get rid of them, however. Removing them isn't a complicated process; it just takes some elbow grease and a few tools. For tough stains, you may require a commercial cleaning solution, which will probably contain an acid. Always follow the manufacturer's directions with such chemicals.
Left to itself, the surest way to compromise the integrity of brick is to allow algae to build up. Since brick is porous, over time algae that is growing in the pores will expand, breaking the binds and disintegrating the brick. Thankfully, with a little bit of work, you can keep your brick algae free and maintain it for years to come.
The tools used to remove an interior brick wall depends on whether or not you want to preserve the bricks. If the house has valuable antique bricks or if it has new bricks that are in good condition, you might want to carefully remove the wall brick-by-brick to keep them intact. If you aren't going to reuse the bricks, you can demolish the interior brick wall with a sledgehammer (that will damage most of the bricks). No matter what method you choose, use appropriate tools to ensure the quickest result.
English ivy, or Hedera helix, is recognized for its thick, waxy leaves and tolerance to cold weather. This versatile ivy climbs walls and winds around trees. Although English ivy is not considered a parasitic plant, it can take root and grow up to 80 feet tall. It quickly spreads until entire brick walls and even structures are covered in leaves, and can eventually damage mortar between bricks. Basic supplies and techniques can effectively remove English ivy from bricks.
Brick pavers add a decorative touch to your walkway, patio or driveway. In addition to being sturdy and functional pavers come in many colors, shapes and textures, adding visual interest to your outdoor areas. Pavers are often used in patio areas, where they can be exposed to many types of spills and stains, including bacon grease from grilling. Brick pavers, like many other stone surfaces, are porous and will absorb the stain from bacon grease if the spill isn't cleaned up quickly. Remove the stain fully to avoid discoloration.
Brick cladding is where a layer of non-structural bricks are placed over a wall, which is usually wooden. Brick cladding has usually been clad onto the outer wall with a mortar solution, which holds fast and can take some time and expertise to remove. Brick cladding was a common method of residential home cladding in the 1960s and has also been used periodically since then. Some people refer to brick cladding as brick veneer or "fake brick." Removing brick cladding is possible with a little bit of know-how and some elbow grease.
Graffiti on a brick wall is a frustrating mess for any homeowner to deal with. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to wash graffiti off a wall without paying a company to do it or replacing the bricks. Washing graffiti off a wall requires some specific equipment, however, such as a pressure washer; it is important to have all of the right tools gathered together to ensure that the graffiti is completely removed from the wall.
Masonry saws cut through dense items like paver stones with ease by placing the material on the rolling table and moving the table into the saw blade. The three main types of pavers are stone, concrete and brick. When cutting each type, a dusty residue enters the air, the dust channel under the wheels and on the saw blade. The air filter on a masonry saw collects dust as well. These components all need daily cleaning to keep the saw operating properly without a loss of power.
Cracked and misplaced brick pavers can be safely removed without causing any damage in the surrounding area. Once brick pavers are fully set and grouted with sand they become very difficult to pry up. Leveraging tools against the surrounding brick pavers may crack more bricks and raise the cost of replacement. Paver removing tongs are specialized adjustable tools that clamp onto the sides of the brick allowing you to pull it straight up and out.
If your fireplace is surrounded by brick you may find creosote buildup on the brick surface. Creosote is a brown or black oily substance that forms from unburned wood gases. These dark stains on your brick are unsightly and will continue to build up if not removed. Clean creosote from brick sooner rather than later; the longer it builds up on the brick, the harder it will be to remove.
Brick foundation walls are strong and solid, but once they start to break apart and deteriorate they will lose structure quickly. If you find any deteriorating bricks or sections of brick in your foundation, you will need to repair them or have your entire foundation replaced by a builder. If you decide to fix the damages yourself, you can do it with only a little bit of effort. Working slowly and being patient with the mortar will ensure you an even, professional repair.
Oil stains on brick pavers are unsightly and diminish the appearance of the entire surface. Whether it's motor oil or cooking oil, it is important to remove oil from brick pavers at first sight for the greatest chance of success. You can remove oil from brick pavers even if the oil stain is old; however, fresh stains are the easiest to remove. Take care when cleaning up oil stains that you don’t make the problem worse by spreading around the oil.
Kill the moss growing on bricks before it does damage to the surface. The moss works its way into the bricks through the pores and damages the bricks, according to the Original Touch website. When this happens, the bricks become weak and fall apart. Whatever you use to kill the moss will leave a slight residue in the brick, which helps prevent future growth.
Whether regular paver bricks or rough brick are used, they all have the same structural values but different textures or cosmetic appearances. Some are installed in different ways, and some are cleaned in different ways. Although textured or ''mat brick'' has a different texture from smooth or paved brick, it is cleaned in the same fashion--just with a different order of procedures.
Though brick is most commonly found on a home's exterior, many homes feature brick inside as a decorative architectural element, most commonly in the kitchen. Brick that is exposed to grease, whether it is a brick-covered kitchen backsplash or exterior brick wall near a barbecue pit, can become unsightly and unsanitary. Fortunately, cleaning grease from brick is inexpensive and relatively easy.
Brick is a clay-based material that has been used in all types of construction throughout history, mostly for structural purposes. While brick is still commonly used in modern construction, it is now often used as an aesthetic material, mostly for cladding walls. Brick tiles were developed to resemble brick, but at a fraction of the thickness for easy application to just about any surface. Like any other building material, brick can wear and break down over time, and must be removed. The process of removing brick tile is a generally straightforward task that can be completed using just basic masonry…
Professional brick layers make the job look easy, but even professionals don't always entirely clean brick work. Their knowledge helps them prevent the worst of the cleanup and they know the right products and techniques for cleaning mortar residue from brickwork. Do-it-yourselfers will make mistakes and messes, yet can still get great looking results by using some of these same strategies for removing mortar.
A run down, old brick mailbox is not the first impression you want your home to give to the world. If you are ready to replace your brick mailbox, consider your options carefully. A brick mailbox probably was installed with a concrete foundation. Removing that block of concrete will require some heavy labor. You can choose to move your mailbox over by a couple of feet if the U.S. Postal Service will allow it. If you have no other spot for the mailbox, roll your sleeves up and get ready to do some hard labor.
Liquid Nails brand is a very strong adhesive that is meant to hold things permanently. Removing Liquid Nails from bricks requires extra care, because it could result in permanent damage to the brick. There are commercial adhesive removers that can be used on bricks, but there might be discoloration due to the strong chemicals in the adhesive removers. Simple and easy procedures help to remove the Liquid Nails from brick.
Silly String is an inexpensive party favor that comes in a can. The liquid substance inside the can turns into plastic string when exposed to air. The cans shoot long, continuous ropes of brightly colored string. While Silly String is a favorite at parties, it also saves lives. CBS News reports that American soldiers spray Silly String over areas that they suspect are booby-trapped. When sprayed, the lightweight string comes to rest on trip wires. If the string falls to the floor, the area is safe. Regardless of where or how it is used, Silly String cleanup is a chore,…
Exterior windows can dramatically increase your house's energy efficiency while updating its look and feel. Windows installed in a brick house are generally fastened to a wooden frame, or buck, that has been constructed within the window frame. Removing a window from a brick house requires prying away the window trim, cutting away the caulking seal and then removing the nails or screws that hold the window in place on the wooden buck. Once you've pulled the fasteners, you should be able to pull the window free of the buck and out of the frame.
Brick structures are highly durable, but over time can suffer the abuse of constant exposure to fluctuating elements. The bricks themselves rarely suffer, but the mortar can begin to crumble and deteriorate. Before this problem goes to far, strengthen an old brick wall, patio or other structure by repairing the mortar. To repair the brick, remove compromised portions of mortar and fill them in with new mortar. This process is known as tuck pointing or re-pointing.
The backsplash in a kitchen can have a subtle but signficant impact on the look and feel of the room. If you moved into a home where there is an existing brick facade that does not fit with your decor, or if you liked the brick at one time but are simply ready for a change, do not despair. Most brick backsplashes, whether they are real or faux, can be removed with a little elbow grease and the right materials.
A well-made brick wall is a durable structure that can last for decades. If you have a damaged brick that needs to be replaced or are looking to cut a window into the wall, you will need to remove old bricks. The trick is not damaging the surrounding bricks. If you think you may want to save the bricks to use as replacements down the road, you will also want to be careful to not damage what you are removing.
Graffiti is often sprayed on the outside walls of buildings and homes by teenagers or gang members. It is an act of vandalism, and is a pretty serious crime. Graffiti looks pretty unprofessional and unattractive when it is plastered all over the brick on your building or home. It is understandable that you would want to remove it right away. With brick surfaces, it is important to learn the most effective way to remove the graffiti specifically from brick.
The time has come to remove the shutters from your brick home or structure. You may be thinking about repainting the shutters, totally replacing them with new shutters or nothing at all. Removing shutters from brick is not difficult and with a few tools and supplies, you will have the removal done in no time at all.
Asphalt sealers work wonders for extending the life of any asphalt surface. Unfortunately, application can be messy and often leads to sealer ending up on neighboring brick surfaces. Although it is true that the sealer will wear away over time, there is a straightforward removal process for both oil- and non-oil-based asphalt sealers.
Exterior brick, also called "facing" or "veneer" is a layer of thin bricks or flat, simulated bricks used as decor on homes or buildings. This material gives the appearance of mortared brick blocks at a fraction of the cost. Exterior veneers usually cover the front of a structure or are seen in only one or two sections for architectural interest. People who select exterior brick veneer later opt to remove it as a quick way to alter their home's appearance. Depending on the amount of exterior brick you want to remove, this project can be completed in about one day.
Brick mold is a weather resistant trim on the outside of a garage entry door frame. Learn how to remove the brick mold on a garage entry door in this free home improvement video.
Using a fireplace for the first time doesn't have to be difficult especially with a little preparation and some logical steps, you will be well on your way to enjoying a toasty fire in your hearth. Safety precautions and issues must be met beforehand to ensure safe operation of your fireplace. The kindling you use must be perfectly dry and combustible such as dry twigs and sticks to ensure a glowing warm fire.
Vinyl shutters are attached to the sides of brick houses firmly using screws or other fasteners. The screws are sunk into screw anchors which have been placed in holes drilled into the bricks themselves, and in some cases the screws may even be painted to match the color of the shutter. You should look between the vinyl slats of the shutters to find the screws, keeping in mind that there will be screws in several locations to ensure that the shutters are firmly attached. Expect to find between two and six screws, with at least one or two near each…
Remodeling and recycling can go hand in hand when it comes to using the bricks that you may already have from a previous project. Instead of buying new bricks, remove the mortar from the bricks that you have and reuse them for your new project.
If your neighborhood is plagued with graffiti, you've no doubt tried various methods to remove it. Unfortunately, the non-hazardous paint remover you tried left stains on the brick and code enforcement maintains shadowing is an invitation for repeat graffiti. The city advises removing graffiti in 2 days or less to deter repeat tagging and hiring a professional is costly. Renting a power washer to remove the paint from the brick yourself is an effective and more economical solution.
If you have a brick exterior, you may find that repairs are necessary from time to time. A loose brick in a step is an important repair. For safety reasons, you should make the repair as soon as you discover the problem. It's fairly easy to fix a loose brick when you have the right tools. Here are a few steps to help you have a safe walking surface.
Ivy on the side of a home can be charming at first glance. However, it can be creep into chimneys, inside widow frames and underneath shingles. Removing it from brick walls is one difficult task.
