Learn how to clean, reset and tuckpoint loose bricks. A loose brick can ultimately lead to major problems – even a wall collapse – but the fix is simple.
By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine:May 2001
Chip away the old mortar with a cold chisel or flat utility chisel. Hold the chisel at a low angle, work it in under the mortar and hit the chisel with short, light hammer blows. Dust out the cavity using a whisk broom and dampen it with water to improve mortar adhesion.
Knock the mortar off the old brick by holding the chisel at a high angle and hitting it with rapid, light blows while moving the chisel tip quickly over the surface of the hardened mortar. Clean the brick with a wire brush and rinse it off with water.
Apply a 1/2-in. layer of mortar to the bottom, both sides of the cavity and the top of the brick. Slide the brick into the cavity.
Pack the mortar oozing from the joints with a brick trowel and 3/8-in. wide pointing tool. Add more mortar by sliding it directly off the trowel and into the joint. Finish the joint surfaces to match the shape of adjacent joints.
When a brick works loose, you can’t just shove mortar in around it and expect the repair to last. Pull it out and fix it right.
It’ll take you at least 20 minutes to remove a loose brick from a wall and clean off the old mortar from both the wall cavity and brick (Photos 1 and 2). If possible, reuse the old bricks. New brick will never match the texture or aged color of the original.
When resetting bricks, follow these guidelines:
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
You'll also need a whisk broom, a soft-bristle brush and waterproof gloves.
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.
