Basic brickwork replacement
Contents |
[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
Featured articles and news
Types of domestic heating systems.
Will the way we heat homes change when winter comes ?
Extended reality in a post-pandemic world.
Can XR technology be leveraged in design & construction?
Or are you capping.
STEM ambassadors needed for ICE CityZen award.
Digital gaming competition for UK students aged 16 to 18.
Heritage protection in England vs Australia.
Fire doors and the Fire Door Inspection Scheme.
Three-quarters of fire doors fail inspections
UN International Day for Biological Diversity, May 22.
The role of geoparks, biospheres and world heritage sites.
BSRIA conference 2022, June 23.
Just one month to go ! Find out more here.
Restoring Broadbent’s Bath House
A new gallery for the University of Huddersfield.
Corruption in the construction industry.
What will it take to stop it ?
To celebrate world bee day 2022 !
Just one month until the changes to part L come into effect.
Not forgetting part F and the new part overheating part O.
Heat Pump demand rises by one quarter.
As energy prices jump up in cost.
With people in the UK from Ukraine.
Industry leader Steve Murray takes on role.
An abundant and versatile building material.
How overheating complicates ending gas in the UK.
600,000 heat pump installations targeted per year by 2028.
Cost planning, control and related articles on DB.
Helping prevent those unwanted outcomes.
ICE debate Public transport - post pandemic.
How has transport changed due to Covid-19 ?
Cross-ventilation in buildings. Do you have it ?
Will you need it ? after June 15 and the new Part O ?
Share your knowledge with the industry.
Create an account and write the first of many articles.