Re-mortaring brick, also known as repointing or tuckpointing, involves removing deteriorated mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar. Here's a simplified guide:
Steps to Re-Mortar Brick
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Preparation is Key:
- Safety First: Wear safety glasses, a dust mask, and gloves.
- Assess the Damage: Identify areas where mortar is crumbling, cracked, or missing.
- Clean the Area: Remove loose debris, dirt, and old mortar fragments.
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Mortar Removal:
- Use the Right Tools: Employ a brick chisel and hammer, or a specialized power tool like an angle grinder with a tuckpointing blade.
- Carefully Remove Mortar: Aim to remove mortar to a depth of about twice the width of the joint (typically ½ to ¾ inch).
- Avoid Damaging Bricks: Work slowly and cautiously to prevent chipping or cracking the surrounding bricks.
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Cleaning and Dampening:
- Remove Dust and Debris: Use a brush or vacuum to thoroughly clean the joints.
- Dampen the Bricks: Lightly mist the bricks with water. This helps the new mortar adhere properly and prevents it from drying out too quickly.
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Mixing the Mortar:
- Choose the Right Mortar: Select a mortar type appropriate for your brick. A Type N mortar is often a good general-purpose choice. Consult a professional if unsure.
- Mix According to Instructions: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the mortar with water. The consistency should be like thick peanut butter.
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Applying the Mortar (Tuckpointing):
- Load the Trowel: Load mortar onto a brick trowel.
- Apply to Vertical Joints (Head Joints) First: Use a tuck-pointing trowel (narrow trowel) to push the mortar into the vertical joints. Start with small amounts and firmly press the mortar into the cavity.
- Apply to Horizontal Joints (Bed Joints) Second: Hold the brick trowel near the horizontal joint and use the tuck-pointing trowel to push mortar into the horizontal joints, filling the gaps completely. Work in about ¼ inch slivers at a time.
- Overfill Slightly: Slightly overfill the joints with mortar.
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Tooling the Mortar:
- Wait for Mortar to Set: Allow the mortar to set slightly (when you can press your thumb into it and it leaves a slight indentation). This can take 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on weather conditions.
- Use a Jointer Tool: Use a jointer tool (also called a striking tool) to compress and shape the mortar joints. Choose a profile that matches the existing mortar joints (concave, V-shaped, etc.).
- Remove Excess Mortar: As you tool the joints, remove any excess mortar.
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Finishing and Curing:
- Brush the Joints: Use a soft brush to gently brush away any loose mortar particles.
- Cure the Mortar: Keep the mortar damp for the first few days by lightly misting it with water. This helps the mortar cure properly and prevents cracking.
Important Considerations:
- Matching Existing Mortar: Try to match the color and type of existing mortar for a seamless repair.
- Weather Conditions: Avoid re-mortaring in extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold) or during rain.
- Professional Help: For extensive or complex repairs, consult a qualified mason.
