How to Replace a Crumbling Brick Wall

Brick walls are usually built for endurance. Mortar and brick are strong materials and last for many years, even in harsh weather conditions. Water seepage that later freezes, however, may cause the mortar in your brick wall to begin crumbling or bricks to split. It may be necessary to replace crumbling brickwork and repoint the mortar to restore the wall to its original strength. Repointing takes some practice, but once you get the hang of it you'll be happy with all the money you save.

Chisel
Hammer
Carbide-tipped grout saw
Hose
Spray bottle
Mortar
Trowel
Repointing trowel
Brush

Instructions

- 1
  Break out any bad bricks using a chisel and hammer. Tap gently over damaged bricks to remove them in chunks; too much force could cause you to damage surrounding bricks.
- 2
  Scrape away all the mortar from the area surrounding the removed bricks.
- 3
  Scrape all the joints in the area to be repaired with a carbide-tipped grout saw to a depth of 3/4 inch if you are replacing mortar only, not bricks.
- 4
  Wash down the wall with a hose until the brick is thoroughly damp to help new mortar adhere. Allow the bricks to sit damp for one day, then mist the brick again before beginning work.
- 5
  Mix the mortar according to the instructions on the package until it is the consistency of peanut butter.
- 6
  Apply mortar to the bottom and one side of the replacement brick in the same thickness as the surrounding joint mortar to prevent an uneven look, then slide the replacement brick into the wall.
- 7
  Scoop a small amount of mortar onto a repointing trowel and fill the remaining joints with it.
- 8
  Brush the wall with a firm-bristled brush to remove any dry mortar crumbs. Mist the wall daily for three days to keep the mortar from drying out too quickly.

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