Brick repairs are important to keep buildings attractive. Small cracks can grow quickly and there are two types: active and passive. Repointing is the primary method of repair, and muriatic acid can remove unwanted residues. Homeowners with experience can do basic maintenance, but it’s advisable to have help.
Brick construction can be an attractive addition to any home or building, but broken brick is typically not appealing to the eye. It can be vital to know brick repairs to keep a structure attractive for years. Although some people prefer to hire a brick contractor to complete more complicated brick repair jobs, most basic maintenance can usually be done by anyone.
The cracks in the bricks might seem inconsequential, but even small cracks can grow quickly. Also, where there is one crack, there are likely to be many more. The two main types of cracks are: active, which will spread over time, and passive, which won’t. Active cracks often require brick replacement, but passive cracks that won’t continue to spread can usually be repaired.
The primary method of repairing cracks is repointing, which involves removing and replacing the old grout. It’s generally best to wear eye protection while using a brick chisel, screwdriver, or drill to clean the crack of any debris or crumbled pieces of brick. Spraying the crack with water can help remove any debris.
The next step is to mix some mortar and let it dry in an inconspicuous area of the brick to make sure it’s the right color. Once it is clear that the mortar matches the rest of the brick structure, it can be applied and smoothed out with a trowel. The area will need to be sprayed with water for about a week after the brick repair is complete. It’s important to keep it moist even during the repair, which is why a garden hose can be an invaluable tool during the process.
If unwanted residues remain after brick repair, they can be removed using muriatic acid. It is generally recommended to wear gloves and safety goggles during application. In fact, a particulate mask can also be worn while removing the old grout from the structure.
Homeowners with experience fixing up their homes may not find brick repair too challenging, but it’s usually advisable to have at least one other person help them. Grout can be found at most home repair stores, and there’s usually a type available that’s specifically made for brick repairs. Those unfamiliar with regular home repairs might consider brick repair a job for a professional brick contractor.
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