How to Fix Cracked Brick Walls

If you have a house with an exposed brick wall, chances are that you have cracked bricks. Cracked bricks aren't just unsightly; they can cause structural issues in the home if they aren't repaired. Thankfully, there are ways to fix cracked brick walls that will give you peace of mind and the confidence to enjoy your house again.

First of all, inspect the wall for cracks and other structural issues. If you see a horizontal crack running down the middle of the wall or vertical cracks that cross multiple bricks, these are probably indicative of serious foundation movement. This type of damage should be addressed by a professional who can assess the problem.

Another possible cause of a cracked brick wall is rising damp. Rising damp is caused by water containing salts in the ground that rises up to your brick walls and makes your mortar crumble and the bricks deteriorate. It is also a common reason for foundation cracks to appear.

It is possible to patch these cracks with new mortar and make the wall look like it never had a problem. But it's important to choose a mortar dye that matches the color of your bricks. You should also mix the mortar with sand to achieve a consistent consistency, so that it can be applied to both the surface of the wall and the joints between the bricks.

Before you begin repairing the cracks, remove any broken pieces of brick. This can be done by using a hammer and chisel to chip away at the damaged bricks. This will make it easier to work with.

Once the bricks are removed, you can fill the cracks with fresh mortar. You should use a mortar mix that is the same as the mortar used in the original wall. It should be a slightly runny mixture. If necessary, you can add some water to achieve the desired consistency.

Then, you should trowel the new mortar into the spaces between the bricks and into the cracks on the surface of the wall. If you want to, you can also apply a mortar-shaping tool to create a more natural-looking patch.

Whether you're repairing the cracks yourself or calling a professional, don't forget to wear safety goggles and gloves. This will protect your hands from cement and other fine particles that can irritate your eyes, skin, and respiratory system.

Repair the cracks with new mortar

You can repair the cracks in a brick wall by using a mortar mix that is similar to the one you used when the wall was built. This will make it easier to sand and shape the mortar into a patch that looks like it was there all along.

Once the new mortar is on the bricks, you should let it dry for a few hours. After that, you can press a damp sponge into the brick to remove excess mortar.

A properly re-built masonry structure is durable and should last for decades. However, it's not immune to stress from shifting soils, earthquakes, or changing seasons. Aside from structural damage, these factors can lead to the development of mold and mildew that will damage your house even further.

Precise Restumping & Underpinning successfully maintains a reputation for delivering quality, reliable and sound services to clients all over New South Wales, with a licensed builder that personally oversee all works.