DIY Brick Crack Repair
Cracked brick and mortar joints on the exterior of your home are unsightly and the open up your home to pretty nasty damage like water penetration and mold.
Brick Restoration specializes in undetectable masonry crack repairs but we know that some people are DIY’ers at heart and want to try their hand at masonry crack repair.
This article is for you fearless DIY’ers.
We’ve searched the internet to find the top 5 best how-to-guides on DIY brick crack repair so we could put together this ultimate guide for you.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking why should they tell me how to do what they charge to do!? Well, the truth is we come from a spirit of contribution and we know that there are always going to be people who are extremely hands on and prefer to dive in and tackle home improvement jobs themselves.
Also, with that being said there are also the cases where a homeowner only has a few very minor cracks and at least wants to try their hand at it before they call a pro.
If all goes according to plan, you should see some results similar to this.
A Crack Repair Overview
Before we get started let’s cover an overview of the brick crack repair process, just so you know what you’re getting yourself info.
Keep in mind, the complexity of your crack repair will depend on many factors including; the age of the structure, the type, size, color and texture of the brick as well as the color and texture of the mortar.
Nonetheless, let’s dive in and get started.
Here’s an infographic showing the basic steps on DIY brick crack repair.
BestMasons Pro Tip: Proper joint preparation is essential for achieving a successful and long lasting result.
1. How to Repair Mortar in a Brick Wall
How to Repair Mortar in a Brick Wall by ThisOldHouse.com
We like this guide because it’s a clear and concise layout all on one page with pictures for reference.
2. Brick & Concrete Repairs
Brick & Concrete Repairs by HowStuffWorks.com
This guide not only touches on brick tuckpointing but also has instructions and illustrations to teach you how to repair crumbling concrete steps, fix cracked concrete and fill potholes in your driveway.
3. How to Repair Mortar Joints
How to Repair Mortar Joints by FamilyHandyman.com
This is a great detailed guide focused specifically on the mortar joint aspect of crack repair, and that’s a pretty important aspect.
In addition, this is also one of the best articles we found on the four different mortar joint profiles used in brick tuckpointing.
Video Walkthroughs
Now what kind of how-to-guide would this be if we didn’t include at least a video walkthrough for reference?
So just in case you wanted to follow along with a video for your DIY brick crack repair project, we’ve got you covered.
We even went through them to find all the important parts so you can skip ahead as needed.
4. Repointing a Brick Wall
Skip to the good parts
- Removing old & loose mortar — 1:45 sec
- Repair a broken or cracked corner — 3:52 sec
- Prepare the new mortar — 4:20 sec
- Apply new mortar in joints — 4:59 sec
- Repointing the joints — 6:11 sec
5. How to Point a Brick Wall
For those of you looking for a very in-depth video walkthrough and tutorial, this video is the most thorough we’ve seen.
Here are the important parts:
- Overview of tools and materials — 0:40 sec
- “the key” in repointing — 01:29 sec
- Mortar Raking — 02:20 sec
- Mixing the mortar — 03:22 sec
- Apply the mortar — 04:05 sec
- Once it starts drying — 06:21 sec
- Bucket handle pointing — 07:20 sec
Crack Repair Shopping List
- Utility knife
- Mortar Mix
- Mortar dye kits
- Caulk gun
- Hammer and chisel
- Trowel
- Waterproof gloves
- Safety glasses
- Stiff bristle brush
- Extra cloth rags
- Citrus-based cleaner OR mineral spirits
About Brick Restoration, Inc.
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Known for our expert workmanship and outstanding results, our extensively trained masons and patented technology separates us from other masonry contractors.
Schedule your free estimate today to meet with one of our Restoration Specialists.
22 thoughts on “5 Best DIY Brick Crack Repair How-to-Guides”
We can say that the repair of bricks is a way of renovating pointing, which is part of the mortar joints in construction. Our team of experts knows how to brick repointing, including mortar and mortar repair, and re-enter. Our technicians and efficient chimney disorders have a quality experience of years of repair and service of all types of chimneys around New York.
Great tips for a do-it yourself-er. Most people don’t realize that a lot of “smaller” brick jobs are completely doable on your own. It amazes me how many jobs we get that literally take 10 minutes!
Very true, but its nice to have the professionals that will ensure a great mortar match and avoid the eye sore.
A well-detailed article, thanks for sharing this one.
Happy to share! Glad you found it helpful.
Awesome Article! We just started a small landscaping business and some of our customers have needed brick work redone. I came across this article looking for tips and It was more than helpful. These methods work just fine with stone walkways I assume right?
Glad you found it to be helpful! Same method, the mortar used might need to be a little different since a walkway is a high traction area.
Hello dear …..
Thanks for this wonderful post. The writer has taken a lot of time and effort to post this information on the
website.so much good and best inflammations and Love the videos!
Thanks
Thanks! we look forward to posting more helpful content soon!
Great research and advice!
Question though as to how to match the color of old mortar in between bricks on 90 year old building…. the mortar is more sand colored than grey…. the grey will look like a sore thumb, so what should be used?
Great question! So typically we mix masonry pigments and dyes on site to match the mortar color to the surrounding area. It takes an artful eye and practice to get to the point where you match it just right. But that’s what the professionals are here for right? For the most part using grey mortar for a crack repair and leaving a scar is no longer accepted as a good repair job. In there lies the difference between repairing and restoring!
We would start by using a white mortar compound then adding masonry color pigments, such as yellow and buff, until we achieve the correct color match for your mortar. It is important to test an area and allow it to dry to assure that the final color wont be too light or too dark.
Appreciate the article shared. I Like it.
Glad you found it helpful!
I come from a family of brick layers. Just started my own business in it…appreciate blogs and articles like this. Helpful!
Glad you found it helpful!
Thanks for sharing these 5 best guides on DIY brick crack repair.
Very good written story. It will be beneficial to anyone who employess it, including me.
Keep up the good work – for sure i will check out more posts.
The blog post was insightful and informative. Would love to read more of this type of blogs.
We, Buffalo Grove’s Tuckpointing And Masonry, are here to help by offering our brick restoration services that can last for decades. Check it out, buffalogrovetuckpointing.com
I really enjoyed reading this article. You even went the extra mile by showing and encouraging people how to do the repair themselves. It seems like more and more, people are enjoying being more tactile and hands on. I just recently started a masonry business so its good to see other individuals in the industry educating people on correct repairs.
Does stamped concrete crack? Stamped concrete is highly resistant to cracking when installed correctly. Even if stamped concrete experiences minor cracking, the cracks are often hard to detect because they will often blend in with the pattern and joint lines.
5 method which is very helpful to repair all defects of wall.
1. Sealing of cracks by epoxy resin injection
2. Repairing brickwork with epoxy mortar
3. Installing ferrocement plate at the corner
4. Rebuilding portion of a wall
5. Stitching method of repairing cracks.
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