Basic brickwork replacement
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Replacing faulty or decayed brickwork can be a difficult process, but simple projects may only require these steps.
[edit] Preparations
Cut away the damaged brick, clean out the hole completely and make sure no dust remains. Gently douse the newly created void with water, making sure to include the top and sides of the recess. Include the surrounding brickwork as well.
Fit the replacement brick into the space that has been created. It should fit easily into the hole, with sufficient space for mortar to surround it. Remove the brick and trim away some of the bottom bed edge so it looks like a slightly truncated wedge.
Cover the underside of the top brick with mortar for the top bed-joint. Some will naturally fall onto the bottom surface of the recess. This should be spread across the sides and bottom to form the cross joints and bed joint.
[edit] Positioning and placing
Take the replacement brick, cover all of it (except the face) with a coat of mortar, place it into the hole and then drive it in gently but firmly with the end of a brick hammer. Additional pressure may be applied by using a small piece of wood and a lump hammer. It is important to keep the brick level during this process; otherwise, it will be difficult to straighten it and the surface will not be flush.
When the brick is pushed into place, extra mortar will be forced out. This should be removed with a trowel.
Once the brick is driven into the proper position, some of the mortar should be left projecting from the joint. Once the extra mortar begins to stiffen, it can be pushed back into the joint with the edge of the trowel. This should solidify the joint and help to make the repaired brick a more integral part of the wall.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
A call for prevention and sensitive re-use.
The CIAT principal designer register
Providing assurance and verification of the capability and competence of registered ATs.
Building Safety recommendations and Northern Ireland
The NI roadmap to improving safety in high rise residential.
BSA residential sector competence standards guidance
BSAS 01:2024 Organisational Capability Management System Standard - Competence Assurance.
Specifying rendered external wall insulation for fire safety
How to interrogate the evidence provided to the specifier.
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.