How to Install Middle Bricks

Remove any loose pieces of brick or mortar from the damaged area.

Chisel away any remaining brick remnants using a hammer and chisel. Also remove the mortar from immediately around the area. The new bricks will seat more easily and bond more effectively if they are installed with a totally fresh application of mortar.

Remove as much dust as possible from the opening. A long paintbrush works well for this purpose. Do not clean the opening with water, as liquids could cause damaged if sealed behind the wall.

Insert a new brick into the opening, and check it for fit. Be certain that the brick is appropriately sized and will lay level. Remove the brick from the opening and set it aside.

Mix a small amount of brick mortar, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Apply a layer of mortar to the bottom of the opening using a trowel. A tuckpointer can be useful in spreading the mortar to the back of the opening.

Seat the new brick onto the base layer of mortar. Check to be sure it is level.

Scoop a small amount of mortar into a grout bag with a medium-wide tip. Close the top of the bag by twisting it shut, and squeeze any air out through the tip.

Insert the tip into the gap on the left side of the brick, in between the old and new bricks. Press the tip all the way to the back of the opening.

Squeeze the bag while pulling back towards you, distributing a layer of mortar along the side of the brick. Press the bag back into the gap and continue to distribute mortar in layers until the gap is full up to the top. Repeat the process on the right side of the brick.

Insert the tip of the mortar bag into the gap on the top of the brick. Squeeze mortar from the bag, working in a zig-zag pattern from left to right, filling the gap from back to front. Allow the mortar to dry slightly, about 10 minutes.

Tool the mortar joints to match the existing mortar pattern between the other bricks. Allow the mortar to dry thoroughly.