Got a gap in your brick wall? Whether it’s from settling, a previous alteration, or just some wear and tear, filling it in with new bricks can seem daunting. But with the right steps and a bit of patience, you can seamlessly integrate new bricks, making your wall look as good as new. Here’s how:
Step 1: Assess and Prepare the Gap
First, take a good look at the gap.
- Clear it out: Remove any loose debris, old mortar, or crumbling brick from the area. A wire brush and a chisel can be helpful here. You want a clean, stable surface to work with.
- Measure up: Carefully measure the dimensions of the gap (height, width, and depth) to determine how many new bricks you’ll need. Don’t forget to account for the mortar joints!
- Gather your materials: You’ll need matching bricks (try to find ones that are similar in color, texture, and size to your existing bricks), mortar mix, sand, water, a trowel, a pointing tool, a spirit level, a hammer, a chisel, and safety glasses.
Step 2: Mix the Mortar
Getting the right consistency for your mortar is key.
- Read the instructions: Always follow the mixing ratios on your mortar bag. Typically, it involves a mix of mortar, sand, and water.
- Mix thoroughly: In a wheelbarrow or mixing tub, combine the dry ingredients first, then gradually add water while mixing until you achieve a consistent, workable paste. It should be firm enough to hold its shape but wet enough to spread easily.
Step 3: Lay the First Course
This is where the magic begins.
- Dampen the area: Lightly dampen the existing bricks and the gap itself. This helps prevent the dry bricks from sucking moisture out of your new mortar too quickly.
- Apply the bed joint: Spread a generous layer of mortar on the base of the gap, ensuring it’s thick enough to accommodate the first brick.
- Place the brick: Carefully set the first new brick onto the mortar bed, wiggling it slightly to ensure good contact.
- Level it up: Use your spirit level to make sure the brick is perfectly level, both horizontally and vertically. Tap it gently with the handle of your trowel if needed to adjust its position.
- Apply the head joint: Apply mortar to the end of the next brick before placing it against the first. This creates the vertical joint.
Step 4: Continue Laying Bricks
Keep building up the courses, one by one.
- Repeat the process: Continue applying mortar and laying bricks, ensuring each brick is level and plumb.
- Stagger joints: If you’re filling a larger section, remember to stagger the vertical joints between courses for structural integrity and a more natural look. Don’t line up the vertical joints directly above each other.
Step 5: Tool the Joints
This step is crucial for both aesthetics and durability.
- Timing is everything: Once the mortar has started to “set” (it should be firm enough to resist your thumbprint but still workable), it’s time to tool the joints. This usually happens within an hour or two, depending on the weather.
- Shape the mortar: Use a pointing tool (concave, V-shaped, or flat, depending on your desired finish) to press and smooth the mortar joints. This compacts the mortar, making it more resistant to water penetration and giving it a professional finish.
- Clean as you go: Scrape off any excess mortar from the face of the bricks with your trowel as you work.
Step 6: Curing and Cleaning
The final touches.
- Cure the mortar: For the next few days, keep the new mortar damp, especially in hot or dry weather. You can mist it gently with water. This slows down the drying process, allowing the mortar to achieve maximum strength.
- Final clean-up: Once the mortar is fully cured (this can take several days to a few weeks, depending on the type of mortar and conditions), you can give the wall a final cleaning to remove any haze or residue. A stiff brush and water are usually sufficient. For stubborn stains, you might need a mild acid wash, but always test it in an inconspicuous area first and follow safety precautions.
