Basic brickwork replacement

[edit] Introduction

Replacing faulty or decayed brickwork can be a difficult process, but simple projects may only require these steps.

[edit] Preparations

Cut away the damaged brick, clean out the hole completely and make sure no dust remains. Gently douse the newly created void with water, making sure to include the top and sides of the recess. Include the surrounding brickwork as well.

Fit the replacement brick into the space that has been created. It should fit easily into the hole, with sufficient space for mortar to surround it. Remove the brick and trim away some of the bottom bed edge so it looks like a slightly truncated wedge.

Cover the underside of the top brick with mortar for the top bed-joint. Some will naturally fall onto the bottom surface of the recess. This should be spread across the sides and bottom to form the cross joints and bed joint.

[edit] Positioning and placing

Take the replacement brick, cover all of it (except the face) with a coat of mortar, place it into the hole and then drive it in gently but firmly with the end of a brick hammer. Additional pressure may be applied by using a small piece of wood and a lump hammer. It is important to keep the brick level during this process; otherwise, it will be difficult to straighten it and the surface will not be flush.

When the brick is pushed into place, extra mortar will be forced out. This should be removed with a trowel.

Once the brick is driven into the proper position, some of the mortar should be left projecting from the joint. Once the extra mortar begins to stiffen, it can be pushed back into the joint with the edge of the trowel. This should solidify the joint and help to make the repaired brick a more integral part of the wall.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Brick.
• Defects in brickwork.
• How to lay bricks.
• Pointing.
• Spalling.
• Types of bricks.
• Which way up should you lay a brick?