Brick walls are certainly some of the most beautiful walls you can have. This is because they bear an authentic and rustic look which ages gracefully. That graceful aging, however, is prone to damages from weather conditions or accidents over the years. For this reason, brick replacement will most likely be a part of a homeowner’s list of repairs.
Failure to replace the damaged bricks may lead to further absorption of moisture, which may ultimately destroy the wall. The good thing is that you can do the repair yourself without needing to consult professionals. If you need any construction equipment to rent, give us a call or email us for any question. However, in order for the process to be flawless, following the steps below will be key:
1. Take Note
Have a close look at your wall and inspect the damaged bricks. The size and type of bricks are what you should be looking at the most. The color of the brick should also be correct, since you don’t want your wall looking patched up, which can reduce the aesthetic appeal of your home. If your brick wall is relatively new, builder merchants will certainly have your required bricks, but if it’s much older, the ideal place to find your replacements will be the local brick suppliers or reclamation yards. Make sure you get the correct brick that matches the rest of the wall.
2. Get The Correct Mortar Color
Yes, not only must the bricks match, but the mortar color must match as well. Remember, you are not only repairing the brick wall for longevity, but you will also be retaining the beautiful look of your home, and this is why getting the correct color is of paramount importance. The color of the mortar is dependent on the cement and sand you are going to use. Therefore, it is at this point that you should make an informed choice. The process can be a bit tricky, and to ease into it, you can get dyes and tints that are a great help in attaining the color you need much more easily.
3. Prepare The New Bricks
Unlike stone, which you just place with cement, bricks need to be prepared before use. Get a bucket half filled with water, take your new brick and place it inside, making sure that it is fully submerged. You can leave it in the bucket while preparing the wall. The importance of this process is to ensure that the mortar adheres well to the brick, which is necessary to make sure it holds firmly once it’s in place.
4. Drill Out The Spot For The Replacement
Now, this is where the main job starts, and you need to be prepared. First, start by putting safety glasses/goggles on to protect your eyes from the breaking mortar shards. While you’re at it, putting gloves on would also be a worthy consideration. Drill out the mortar around the old brick, being careful not to damage the surrounding bricks. You can now drill holes in the brick and knock it out with a hammer for easy removal, if you don’t plan on using it again.
5. Place The Brick Correctly
This is your last step. Wet the surrounding bricks with water and a paintbrush, then apply mortar on the bed of the hole. Take your brick and apply a decent amount of mortar on the sides and top too. Push it in the hole, while carefully wiggling it, until it’s in place. The final step is to have enough mortar on the sides of the brick. Force in as much mortar until you can place no more and smooth it out using the trowel’s backside. With this, you’re done!
Conclusion
Replacing a damaged or missing brick doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. You can do it yourself and have wonderful results. Professionals can cost a lot and drag the job out, but if you follow the above steps, you will save money and be astounded by what you can do on your own.