How to Repair Damaged Bricks?

Wherever the damage is, the brickwork repair needs to be carried out as soon as possible. Otherwise it leads to further damage. Well, it is not a difficult job. You can carry out the work easily yourself by replacing a couple of bricks.

While constructing a building, bricks play an important role.  They are required in building fireplace, walls, floor and several decorative features. But, these are not forever. Bricks get damaged due to various reasons; it can be due to discoloration, cracks or due to fixtures on the wall. Drilling, nailing, hanging doors or windows can also be a reason behind the damage.

Well, whatever the reason is, the repair is usually done by removing the damaged brick and replacing it with a new one. For this you will need:

• Hammer and chisel
• Stiff brush
• Hammer drill
• Masonry bit
• Mortar
• New brick

Step 1: Removing the brick: Basically, the method is to take the worn brick out that too without causing damage to the surrounding ones. For this you will start drilling a series of holes in the mortar. Proceed with a hammer and chisel slowly all around the brick until it feel loose. With the help of chisel, clear away the left over mortar and remove the dust with a stiff brush. You need to wet the cleaned area with water.

Step 2: Replacing the brick: For this, the most important thing is to get a brick that exactly match your wall, especially in terms of size. In case it is damaged from one side, you can simply turn it around to replace it. But, if it is rotten completely, you need an exact match.

• Create a mortar bed at the bottom and sides of the hole. Make sure it is two centimeter thick.
• Slide the brick into the particular place on the wall.
• The mortar will ooze out, but here you need to keep tapping it.
• With help of a trowel add some more mortar to the joint and pack it in a solid way.

Step 3: Wind it up: You are almost done. At the end, just

• Scrape off the excess mortar from the wall, if any.
• Use a pointing tool or length of rubber piping to run along the joints. This will help you to create a weatherproof and concave finish.

Besides, it is important to learn here that the repair of damaged bricks should be carried out immediately. If not done at earlier stage, it leads to seepage of water during the rains or wet season.

The process seems to be fairly simple. But in case, more than four bricks need to be replaced then you need the professionals in!