Are you looking for a contractor?
Submit our quick form and get quotes now!
Table of Contents
3 min read
How to Repair Damaged Mortar Joints
![](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoumissionrenovation.ca%2Fsn_uploads%2Fblog%2Fimages%2Fphoto-1564582424013-0fa7f9df3d33_1.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoumissionrenovation.ca%2Fsn_uploads%2Fblog%2Fimages%2Fphoto-1564582424013-0fa7f9df3d33_1.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
3 min read
How to Repair Damaged Mortar Joints
Exterior renovationsHow to Repair Damaged Mortar Joints
Brick is a durable material. However, brick joints have a tendency to deteriorate much more rapidly. Over time, the mortar that is used to make the joints will start chipping, thus affecting the water tightness of the surface.
It is very important to fix damaged joints before you start facing bigger problems like water ingress.
Here are a few tips on how to fix mortar joints:
First step: diagnosing the problem. If the mortar joints are highly damaged, they will have to be redone completely. Any superficial repairs would only push the problem back to a later date. However, if the cracks are still relatively small, you can fix the situation rapidly by applying a small coat of mortar.
Equipment needed to fix mortar joints
To repair mortar joints, you will need the following tools and equipment :
Mortar (a special mortar product created specifically to redo joints is available on the market; ask hardware store employees to guide you towards the right product)
Gloves
Safety glasses
Scraper
Chisel
Hammer
Trowel
Rigid brush or paintbrush
Water (garden hose or filled-up bucket)
Fixing mortar joints is a dirty job
Mortar creates a lot of dust and dirt, therefore it is recommended that you wear safety glasses and gloves when handling the product. If you have breathing problems, you should also wear a mask.
Before you get on with the work, make sure that the weather conditions are ideal. If completing the task during the winter, you will have to employ a protective measure to ensure that the mortar does not freeze before having completed its drying period.
In the summer, high temperatures could also cause problems with the process, as the mortar will have a tendency to dry too quickly. To avoid new cracks forming, the surface must be protected from both the sun and the heat.
During the drying period, the surface should also be protected from wind and rain.
![brcik mortar joints](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoumissionrenovation.ca%2Fsn_uploads%2Ffck%2FSOumissionREnovation_mur-de-briques_1.jpg%3Fmaxw%3D670&w=3840&q=75)
Steps to follow to fix mortar joints
Before you start applying the new mortar, you’ll have to meticulously remove any trace of damaged mortar. When you start digging with the hammer and the chisel, be very careful not to damage the bricks. According to the Heritage and Quality renovation guide, if you see that more than half the mortar is crumbling, it’s better to remove the bricks in order to redo the full mortar bed.
Using a brush and a small amount of water, try to remove all remaining residue in the empty joints. Afterwards, wet the section on which you will be working. Mix the mortar with a trowel until smooth.
Still using the trowel, gradually spread several thin coats of mortar; letting the product dry between each coat (the drying process is very quick). Keep going until you’ve filled the joint.
Once the mortar has dried and is hard enough, you can create a nice finish for the joint by adding a bit of mortar on the surface and pressing down with your trowel. Damaged brick walls can lead to severe problems.
Brick joints hold an important role in ensuring the wall’s water tightness and they also help the wall keep its structure. If the damage is too extensive, the wall could collapse. That’s why it’s so important to repair brick joints when they show signs of wear and tear.
Recap table of the steps to repair mortar joints between bricks
Here are a few other articles about masonry that could be useful for you:
Get 3 renovation quotes for your masonry renovation project
RenoQuotes.com will put you in contact with 3 reliable contractors for your masonry renovation project. Fill out the form on our homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from trusted professionals.
Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives
Get 3 free quotes for your project!
Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!
Last modified 2023-11-07
Looking for something else?
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
![](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soumissionrenovation.ca%2Fmedia%2F37b17df8-8632-4557-9967-976f2d93c96a.png&w=3840&q=75)
RenoQuotes.com • 17 Apr 2024
Are you planning on building a deck in your backyard, but aren’t sure which type of foundation to install? Your patience has been rewarded! Have you ever thought of piles? It’s a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and simple solution, one that’s been developed by a Quebec-based company that’s also a global market leader.
![](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoumissionrenovation.ca%2Fsn_uploads%2Fblog%2Fimages%2FRenoQuotes_BuildHomeAddition_main.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023
Building a home addition is beneficial in many ways. Whether accommodating new members of the family or just looking to add a bit more space, homeowners choose to add rooms to their homes for a variety of reasons. However, you can’t just place an extra room on the side of your house and call it a day! Home additions take careful planning to be executed properly.
![](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoumissionrenovation.ca%2Fsn_uploads%2Fblog%2Fimages%2FCopie-de-Nouvelle-image-blog--2500---306-x-_15.png&w=3840&q=75)
RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023
Are you in the process of renovating a part of your home and would like to create an impeccable finish? Adding moulding, like quarter rounds, is indispensable in this regard and will surely add a lot in terms of aesthetics. Want to know more about this type of moulding? Keep reading!
![](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoumissionrenovation.ca%2Fsn_uploads%2Fblog%2Fimages%2FRenoQuotes_TrackLights_Main.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
N/A • 07 Nov 2023
Rail-mounted light systems are a wonderful and versatile fixture made to suit the needs and décor of any home. This style of light consists of an electrical track that mounts to the wall or ceiling, with individual lamps attached at various points along the track.
![](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoumissionrenovation.ca%2Fsn_uploads%2Fblog%2Fimages%2FPhoto-blog-670x350-x---2023-05-15T154756.253_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
N/A • 07 Nov 2023
Have you always dreamed of owning a beautiful walk-in shower in your bathroom? Whether this large-scale project is carried out for aesthetic or functional purposes, it’s essential to be well informed before embarking on the adventure. Here are some important facts about the installation of a walk-in shower!