How to Repair the Erosion of a Brick Wall

Slide a carbide-tipped grout saw between the horizontal joints between the bricks that need repointing. Dig out to a depth of at least a 3/4 inch. Joints that are larger than a 1/2 inch need to be dug out to 2 1/2 times the joint width.

Place the sharp end of a 5-in-1 painter's tool between the vertical joints of the bricks that need repointing. Hit the end of the tool with a hammer to break out the old mortar. Brush out the dust from between the joints.

Spray the brick face with a hose until it is dripping wet. Leave the brick for 24 hours to absorb the water. This helps the mortar stick. Spray the brick face again before repointing.

Place your mortar powder onto a sheet of plywood. Create a crater in the middle and add the recommended amount of water to the mortar into the crater. Fold the mortar powder until thoroughly mixed. The mortar should have the consistency of peanut butter.

Lift a large amount of mortar onto a trowel. Slide the mortar from the trowel into the joints using a thin repointing trowel until the mortar is flush with the surface of the brick. Smooth out the mortar with the flat face of the trowel.

Wipe the brick face with a stiff bristled broom once the mortar has dried for 20 to 30 minutes to remove any excess mortar.