Brick Wall Mortar Repair

[Rich M.]

My daughter has a brick wall that needs some mortar repair. The wall has probably three prior repairs over the last sixty years. I am not a masonry person, but the repair looks straight forward, well somewhat straight forward.

Okay, the wall has three different mortar lines:
1. Smooth straight line somewhat recessed.
2. Mortar line is con-caved
3. Smooth line flushed with the brick.

Based on the wall’s various lines, does it matter which of the three styles I use? My thought is to try and duplicate the mortar bed line closest to the repair, which is number 3.

This is a question I should have ask the person at the masonry supply store.

 

[Kaizen]

doesnt matter. all just for looks. normal may to do it to make it easy and give the wall some shadow lines is to use this tool to make it concave.
how are you going to get the old mortar out?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bon-Tool-5-8-in-Round-Grapevine-Mortar-Jointer-11-461/302691573

ask this old house did a great demo with tommy if you can find it

 

[Rich M.]

[QUOTE
how are you going to get the old mortar out?
t[/QUOTE]

Some of the mortar bed mortar is cracking and crumbling, some is coming out with a chisel.

I am only taking out the damaged mortar. I was able to get matching mortar.

 

[SGKent]

you will want to match the color and use a point like what was used so it will match. Go visit a masonary yard that specializes in bricks and take a sample along if you can.

 

[lilredex]

If you have matching mortar, you are all set. Get the old stuff out and slide in the new stuff with that finger tool off a flat surface. You can use a conduit section to duplicate the concave finish, which works best to withstand weather.

Something like this, the way I do it.

 

[Kaizen]

[QUOTE

how are you going to get the old mortar out?

t

Some of the mortar bed mortar is cracking and crumbling, some is coming out with a chisel.



I am only taking out the damaged mortar. I was able to get matching mortar.[/QUOTE]



If not too late I’d advise to rake out more then just damaged to do it right. Use a nail raker and go deep. More of a piece you put in the better. Takes a long time


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[finn]

Ask the Supply house about latex modifier to add to the mortar mix. Helps make the mix more workable and easier to apply.

Don’t remember the brand name I used, but both my local block / brick yard and Menards had the stuff.

 

[Rich M.]

Update:

Once I removed the outer layer of mortar, say about 1 1/2 I found the mortar farther back was a soft and easy to remove. My guess is the mortar mixture is old and decaying or moisture is somehow impacting the bed mortar. Does this sound logical?

 

[Kaizen]

It degrades over time. It’s not supposed to be hard like brick. Hope they gave you right stuff to use. A nail raker will take out mortar no problem. Go in a few inches if possible. Wet brick before putting in new


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