Temporary Fix to a Crack in a Brick Wall

Cleaning up the Crack

• Any debris or dirt should be cleaned out of the crack before it is repaired. This is necessary for two reasons. First, the mortar needs a clean place to fill to adhere properly. Second, bits of debris can get into the mortar, leaving a lumpy appearance that is very difficult to correct once the mortar sets. Use a chisel and wear gloves to clean away this debris so that the crack is relatively clean.

Applying the Mortar

• You can get pre-mixed mortar at a local hardware store. This is commonly sold in small tubs that are ideal for little jobs like this. Use a plastic putty knife and insert the mortar into the crack. Fill in all of the area and then smooth out the exterior. The mortar should be flush with the bricks, not bulging out. Scrape off the excess before it sets, for a professional look.

Smoothing Out Any Rough Spots and Hiding the Patch

• If the mortar sets and you notice that it is not even, you can fix it slightly. A sanding block in a heavy-grit is best since you can get a better grip on it. Sand away the mortar and frequently check your work to avoid over-sanding. You can paint over the mortar to hide it if the crack is through a brick. Choose an oil-based paint that is as close as possible to the color of the bricks and paint over the patch with a small paint brush to blend it in.

When Temporary Fixes Aren't Enough

• Patching will work for cracked mortar, or very small cracks in bricks. However, if chunks of the brick have fallen away, or the crack is very large, you may be dealing with a structural problem. Mortaring the area may not be enough and may be too obvious. In this instance, it is best to skip the temporary fix and go straight to replacing the bricks and mortar affected by the crack.