What Are the Best Methods When It Comes to Brick Repair
Brick construction can sometimes be an attractive addition to any home, however, broken or damaged bricks are not something anyone wants to see. Which means learning how to perform brick repair is essential. Most people prefer to hire a brick contractor to perform the more complex repair jobs, however, some of the basic upkeep can often be done by a DIY enthusiast.
Cracks in bricks may seem trivial, however, even the most minute cracks will eventually grow rapidly. Plus, when there is one crack, several more will likely appear. The 2 main cracks are: active, these will start to spread over time, and passive ones which will not. The former often means the bricks need replacing completely, however, the latter will not spread and can be repaired.
The main technique used when repairing cracks is repointing, this means removing and replacing the old mortar. It is always advisable to wear some form of eye protection when using a brick chisel, screwdriver, or drill, as the crumbled pieces can fly and get into your eyes. Also, spraying the crack with water will help to make sure all debris has been removed.
Then you will need to mix up a batch of mortar, after which you can start to apply it using a trowel. The area needs to be sprayed with water for at least a week once the repair has been finished. This is important so never skip this stage if you have a garden hose use this to keep the new mortar damp.
Should there be any unwanted residue after the repair, this can be removed using muriatic acid. When doing this, make sure you wear gloves and safety goggles, if you have a particle mask then this should be worn.
For all your repair and stone setting needs, call Creative Masonry and Landscape of Cape Cod in East Falmouth, MA today on (508) 221-5197.