Structures + Safety
Replacing a Damaged Brick Video

Replacing a Damaged Brick Video

Even those of us with immaculate finishing on the inside of our house can forget to attend to the exterior problems until it's much too late. Out-of-site, out-of-mind is a common approach to maintenance on the outside of your home. But, even a single cracked brick can lead to big problems if left unattended. Water can seep in, freeze in the winter and expand. Before you know it, a small crack turns into a big one, and a big crack becomes a crumbling brick. Once that happens, your beautiful new carpet or expensive paintwork is under threat from damp and water damage. So keep the outside up to scratch to protect the fittings you treasure inside.

Time to complete the job: 2 hours plus drying time

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You will need:

  • Hammer action drill
  • Drill bit
  • Lump hammer
  • Small coping bolster
  • Large flat bolster
  • Safety goggles
  • Trowel
  • Carrying board
  • 3 to 1 sand and cement mix
This is a step-by-step DIY guide from the second series of Our House. To find out more about the show, see All About Our House.

Step 1: Drill the masonry

Put on your safety goggles.
Use the masonry drill to make holes in the mortar at all four corners of the brick.
Drill holes in the mortar all along the four sides of the brick until the mortar is crumbling and loose.

Step 2: Chisel away the mortar

Place the end of the small bolster against the mortar and use the hammer to force it between the bricks.
Once the mortar is loose and crumbly, repeat the process with the wide, flat bolster.
Tip: Hammer gently! If you use too much force you could crack the brick or get your bolster stuck.

Step 3: Remove the brick

Once the brick feels loose, try to pull it out of its slot. If it won't come away easily, continue to work with the flat bolster.
Once all the mortar is crumbled, pull the brick out.
Clear away the dust and debris from the hole.
Tip: It will take 15-20 minutes to remove the brick, so be patient. This is the most difficult part of the job.
 
 

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