What to Do if Your Brick Is Severely Damaged?
If your bricks are discolored, damaged, or starting to deteriorate, then it’s time to consider brick repair. But, what makes them discolor and crack in the first place? Your building materials absorb water from the air and dirt, as well as exterior elements. This is especially true for brick. As a result, they tend to absorb moisture, stain, and absorb dirt from the environment. It’s why homeowners should regularly clean and maintain their bricks. However, if the bricks are severely damaged, consider the following tips.
Adding More Mortar
If your bricks have become soft and begin to fall apart, you may consider bonding them with more mortar. You can use the same mix that you used when you first laid the bricks. Whichever masonry cement you use will determine how hard the mortar joint will be. So, before you start, you will need to know the original mix. You can find the one that works best by averaging the number of pips you used in each brick. Mix everything in a wheelbarrow, then apply the mixture to the brick joints and leave it to dry.
Using Repair Products
You can also use repair products to try to save your damaged bricks. If you want to repair cracks with a liquid, you can use a bonding agent and putty or fill made of cement. However, many of these products do not come with instructions so you will have to be guided by the package. If you want to repair surface damage, you can use a surface-repairing primer and a coloring agent. The primer will help to fill in the damage and the coloring agent will provide a more professional look.
To learn about the brick repair services and products Des Moines Masonry has to offer you, and if you live in or around the Urbandale, IA region, please feel free to call us at (515) 355-3123 anytime.
