Brick Repair Guide: How to Repair Damaged Brickwork

Are you starting to notice some damaged brickwork around your house?Maybe some small cracks or joints with loose mortar?

You’ll want to take care of those repairs sooner rather than later. Why?

Learn the basics of brick repair and how to handle damaged brickwork around your home. We’ll cover the causes, repair basics, and average costs. Plus we’ll help you decide when you need to call the pros.

Let’s start with some common signs of damaged brickwork you should look for as you inspect your home.

Common Signs of Damaged Brickwork

Common Signs of Damaged Brickwork

Bricks, while a durable building material, do at times need to be repaired. Here are some common types of brick damage that you should look for.

Cracks or Crumbling Bricks

One of the most common indicators of brick damage is the appearance of cracks. These can be subtle, hairline cracks barely noticeable from a distance, or more prominent splits that raise immediate concern.

Cracks or Crumbling Bricks_

Crumbling bricks, where brick pieces or entire brick structures start to disintegrate, are a sign of advanced damage, possibly due to prolonged moisture exposure or inferior brick quality.

Deteriorating Mortar Joints

Over time, mortar can begin to erode, weaken, or even fall out, leaving gaps between the bricks. These broken bricks not only compromise the wall’s strength but also leave room for elements like water to seep in, making the problem even worse.

Efflorescence or White Stains

Often mistaken for mere discoloration, these white, powdery deposits could signify a deeper issue. They are the result of moisture moving through the brick, dissolving soluble salts present within, and then evaporating, leaving the salts on the brick’s surface. This indicates prolonged moisture issues that could need to be addressed.

Efflorescence or White Stains

Signs of Moisture and Mold

Beyond the evident wet spots, the appearance of mold or mildew on or around brickwork is a telltale sign of water damage. It’s essential to address this quickly as prolonged moisture can lead to more severe brick and structural damage.

Causes of Brick Damage

So what are the common causes of damage to bricks? Here are 4 of the big ones.

Normal Wear and Tear

Just like everything else, bricks aren’t immune to the natural wear and tear of time. Even with the best care, bricks, especially those in older structures, can show signs of age after several decades or centuries. This natural aging can make them more susceptible to other forms of damage.

The Elements

The elements, particularly in regions with extreme weather conditions, can be harsh on brickwork. Persistent rain can lead to moisture-related issues, while the freeze-thaw cycle in colder climates can cause bricks to crack. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can also fade the color of bricks, making them more brittle over time.

Shifting Foundations

Subtle shifts in a home’s foundation can lead to structural cracks in the brickwork or even cause walls to lean.

Poor Construction

As with anything, the quality of the initial work plays a significant role in longevity. If bricks were not laid correctly or if subpar materials or techniques were used, the brickwork might show signs of damage much sooner than expected. This underscores the importance of ensuring quality work, especially during the construction phase.

If you notice large structural cracks in brick walls, it’s probably time to call the pros.

Expert Solutions for Brick Repair

If you spot brick issues early, repairs are usually less intrusive. Here are some of the most common types of brick repairs.

Repointing

This tedious process involves removing deteriorated mortar and replacing it with new mortar. This gives brickwork a rejuvenated appearance and renewed strength.

Brick Repointing

Brick Replacement

Some bricks, especially those that are chipped or cracked, might need a replacement brick. It’s crucial to find a match in size, color, and texture to maintain the wall’s aesthetics.

Sealing

Protecting brickwork from moisture is important. Applying a high-quality brick sealant can act as a barrier against rain and humidity.

Professional Assessment

Not all issues are visible to the untrained eye. Periodic evaluations by experts like AX Masonry can help foresee significant problems.

Check out our article How to Repair Brick Cracks, Joints, Mortar, and More to get more details about different types of brick repair methods.

7 DIY Tips for Basic Brick Repair

If you have a minor repair and want to try a hands-on approach, here are 7 tips:

  1. Safety First: Before starting, ensure you’re equipped with safety  eye protection goggles, gloves, and a dust mask.
  2. Matching Bricks: Take a sample brick when shopping for replacement bricks to ensure you get the closest match.
  3. Mortar Matters: When mixing mortar, consistency is key. It shouldn’t be too runny or too thick. Test by seeing if it holds on a trowel without dripping. (Check out our article Brick Mortar Repair: Homeowner’s Guide from the Pros to learn more about mortar repairs.)
  4. Tool Techniques: Master the art of using a chisel and hammer to remove old mortar without causing additional damage. When refilling, a tuckpointing trowel is your best friend.
  5. Stay Clean: Mortar can stain bricks, so it’s essential to avoid getting mortar on the face of the brick if possible.
  6. Protective Measures: Once your repair is dry, consider applying a sealant to offer added protection against future damage.
  7. Recognize Limits: While DIYing can be fun, understanding when to call professionals is crucial. Extensive damage or structural concerns are best left to experts.

Not sure if a DIY fix for your damaged brick is the right choice? Then check out our article – DIY vs. Professional Brick Repair: Pros and Cons of Each.

Benefits of Professional Brick Repair

Going with a professional masonry company for brick repair brings numerous benefits:

  • Safety Assurance: Experts can spot and rectify potential hazards, ensuring the home remains safe and secure.
  • Value Protection: Homes with well-maintained brickwork command higher market prices, preserving and even improving property value.
  • Longevity: Professional repairs can extend the life of brickwork by decades, ensuring homeowners enjoy their brick exteriors for longer.
  • Aesthetic Mastery: There’s an art to brick repair. Professionals ensure that repairs blend seamlessly with existing brickwork, maintaining the home’s visual appeal.

AX Masonry’s crew are brick experts at color-matching mortar and bricks to match what’s already in your home. That attention to detail ensures the repair doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.

Average Cost of Brick Repair

The cost of brick repair varies depending on the type of repair, the extent of damage, and regional pricing differences.

  • – On average brick repair job, simple repairs such as filling small cracks or replacing a few bricks can range from $150 to $700 or more depending on the repair work.
  • – More extensive repairs like fixing large structural cracks, replacing several bricks, or repairing mortar joints typically cost between $800 and $3,500.
  • – Significant repairs that involve structural work or complete wall rebuilds can escalate well beyond, reaching up to $8,500 or more.
  • – It’s also worth considering that specialized color matching, historic preservation work, or repairs in hard-to-reach areas can add to the total cost.

Due to these variables, it’s advisable to get multiple quotes from professionals to understand the specific costs for your particular project.

Average Cost of Brick Repointing

Repointing is one of the most common repairs done on old brickwork. Repointing costs can vary widely based on factors such as the condition of the existing mortar, the type of property, the accessibility of the area needing work, and regional labor rates.

_Average Cost of Brick Repointing _

Here are some general pricing examples:

  • – Per Square Foot: On average, repointing brick might cost anywhere from $5 to $25 per square foot. This range can increase for more intricate or decorative brickwork, or if there’s significant brick deterioration that requires additional preparation or repair.
  • – Flat Rate for Small Projects: For smaller projects or minor repointing tasks, some contractors might charge a flat rate. This can range from $300 to $1000, depending on the complexity and the minimum charge policies of the service provider.
  • – Per Linear Foot of Mortar Joints: Another pricing model could be per linear foot of the mortar joint, which can range from $3 to $25. This approach can sometimes be more cost-effective for projects involving just a section of the wall rather than an entire surface.

Always keep in mind these are average estimates and prices can differ based on local market conditions, the current state of the brickwork, and the level of expertise required. It’s best to get detailed quotes from several local contractors to find the best deal and ensure quality work.

Consequences of Neglecting Damaged Brickwork

It’s smart not to put off brick repairs. Ignoring warning signs can have expensive consequences:

  • – Escalating Repairs: Minor issues can snowball into significant problems, leading to heftier repair bills.
  • – Safety Concerns: Compromised brickwork can pose structural risks, endangering inhabitants.
  • – Value Depreciation: Visible damage can drastically reduce a property’s market value, making it harder to sell at a desired price.

Whether opting for DIY or professional expertise, timely repairs are the key to ensuring brickwork remains a testament to your home’s beauty and resilience. If you’re in the Dallas Fort Worth area, give the brick repair experts at AX Masonry a call. We’d love to discuss your brick repair needs to see how we can help. Give us a call today for a FREE consultation.

If you’re in the Dallas or Fort Worth areas, give us a call at AX Masonry. Call us today and get a FREE consultation for your patio project.

Shopping Basket