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How to Repair Brick Veneer Tile

Most so-called brick houses built since the 1950s are actually brick veneer houses, wooden frames with a layer of 1/2-inch brick tiles attached with cement to a wood facing. True brick houses were abandoned because they were expensive to build and because they tend to be hot in summer and cold in winter. From time to time, brick veneer will crack, chip or begin to crumble. Compared to replacing an actual brick, repairing brick veneer is relatively simple.

Things You'll Need

  • Brick red paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Masonry sealant
  • Chisel
  • Grinder
  • Construction cement
  • Putty knife or trowel
  • Brick veneer tiles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Paint over minor cracks or chips using brick-red paint and a brush. From a distance, this will be indistinguishable from the surrounding brick, which varies in color slightly anyway. For slightly larger cracks, fill with masonry sealant, allow to dry according to manufacturer's instructions and then paint.

    • 2

      Chisel out severely cracked or crumbling tiles and accompanying grout. Chip them away carefully to avoid damaging the wood underneath.

    • 3

      Grind away the dried cement underneath with the grinder. Again, be careful to remove only the cement so you don't damage the wood underneath. Removing all of the dried cement makes replacement and fitting of the brick veneer easier.

    • 4

      Apply a new layer of brick cement with trowel or putty knife to the spot where you removed the tile or tiles. Use the cement recommended by the brick veneer manufacturer so it'll support the weight of the tile.

    • 5

      Place a new brick veneer tile over the cement. Press the tile against the wood until it takes hold. Follow the established pattern, if any, or select tiles close in color to existing work so the repairs blend in.

    • 6

      Dry for 24 hours or longer if recommended by the cement manufacturer.

    • 7

      Apply brick cement between tiles with putty knife to fix the brick veneer tile in place. Wipe off excess on the brick immediately, before it dries.