September 20 2021 0Comment
How To Do the Repairing of Old Brick Steps

How to Do the Repairing of Old Brick Steps?

Is your brick step in poor shape? Has the mortar in the joints worn thin in some places? Are some bricks lost or fall out? If you encounter all these, you need to perform a brick steps repair work. Brick repointing is a crucial work to block water infiltration or early deterioration of the steps. So, neglecting this might lead to several problems and in the end, you will be required to spend more on the restoration job.

You can see that it is necessary to repair brick stairs as soon as you notice the above issues. Though some people say it is a DIY task, it is advisable to appoint a specialist to perform the job to get better results. But remember that repointing your brick steps will be durable only if you use the appropriate material and proper expertise. So, if you want to do the task yourself, read the below segment as it will explain a step-by-step guide on the repairing process of old brick steps.

Eliminate old mortar

As a rule of thumb, you must remove the old mortar fully when performing the work. Over time the mortar becomes loose, weak, and flakes off. As a result, it causes damage to the stairs, and the removal is necessary before repointing. With the assistance of different tools like a chisel, mallet, or hammer, you can eliminate the damaged mortar and make the space ready for the process.

Clean the Area

Once the damaged and worn-out mortar gets removed permanently, you must clean the area. Many people apply new mortar to the affected space without cleaning it up, and as a result, they never get long-lasting results and need to restore the area after a few years. Therefore, take a wire brush and remove all dust and debris.

Mortar

The third step is vital as you need to select the best material and mixture of mortar for repointing work. According to the experts, the appropriate combination is one-part cement and eight to nine parts sand with required water. This combination enhances waterproofing, flexibility, and moisture permeability.

Mortar Application

You should mix the mixture thoroughly to make sure that it is smooth and has proper density. After mixing, lay the brick as per the pattern you want and use a tuck-pointing trowel to apply the mortar inside the brick joints. Then, remove the excess mortar and make the area neat and clean. It is always advisable to perform the task when the weather is calm. According to the brick stoop repair experts, the ideal temperature of the space and the mortar should remain between 5-30 degrees c for at least 3-days.

Conclusion

To sum up, you can repoint the old brick steps yourself. The cost to repair brick steps might vary depending on the tools and materials you use. So, if you want to perform the task without appointing a professional, consider the above steps and get long-lasting repointing work.