Brickwork in London Brick restoration London

Brick repair is required as soon as possible, when the problem of spalling is identified in walls. Spalling refers to the crumbling of
concrete and bricks which are too soft or absorbent, and as a result, retain too much water or moisture, deteriorating their surface. Spalling usually takes place in small areas of walls, so the most common way of fixing this problem is by replacing the particular bricks which have been affected.

Below are the essential things that you require and steps as to how you can replace spalled bricks.

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Tools and Equipment Needed:

• Cold Chisel
• Club Hammer
• Drill
• Sharp Trowel
• 6 to 8 mm Masonry Bit
• Replacement Bricks
• Mortar
• Water

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  Step 1: Observe and Analyze the Problem

Before you get to replace the spalling bricks, it is important that you determine the reason for and the extent of the problem, so that it can be resolved without causing any future damage to the wall itself. Furthermore, you must consider how many bricks need replacement. Only 3 to 4 bricks can be taken out of the wall at one point in time. If extensive deterioration is present, then it is recommended that the assistance of a specialist is sought out.

Step 2: Finding the Right Replacement

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You must see to it that the replacement bricks match the other bricks used in your wall, and the pointing style (the practice of fixing mortar joints between bricks) remains consistent. This may seem to be obvious, but in reality this requires careful research. It is not always easy to find identical bricks in terms of their color and texture, especially if the ones you require are old.

Step 3: Cut out the Spalled brick

Scrape the mortar around the brick and then get the brick out using a cold chisel and a club hammer. If that does not work, you can drill holes in the brick using a 6 to 8 mm masonry bit, and then use the cold chisel and hammer to crumble the brick down. After all the damaged bricks have been taken out, and clean the wall for any scraps left behind.

Step 4: Mortar

Mortar is one of the most crucial requirements for laying down bricks. Mortar can be Porter cement based, or a mixture of lime and sand or a ready to use mortar mix from the market.  Depending on your need, you can ask your local home improvement store to give you advice on what type of mortar to use for your wall repair.

Step 5: Replacement

Once the mix is ready, dampen the area to be repaired with water, and apply mortar to the base and the respective sides of the cavity horizontally, and on top of the brick with a sharp trowel, making a layer of about 10 mm. Then, carefully slide the brick in the hole and tap it until it comes in line with the surrounding brick work. With the handle of the trowel, make the new mortar joint similar to the joints in the rest of the wall to give the wall a uniform look.

If you have a brick house that needs a facelift, before you pick up a brush and paint can, read below. Although you can paint brick without causing damage to the surface, there are certain things you should know about the process prior to heading out to the paint store. Once you’ve finished this project, if you’re feeling adventurous, I’d suggest checking out Earth 4 Energy – Make your own solar panels! – you’ll be saving money on your energy bills in no time!

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1. Why Paint Brick? People choose to paint brick houses if the brick is damaged or is of inferior quality. White stains and areas of discolored brick can be eye sores that beg to be cleaned up and covered. Choosing the best brick paint is really important; elastomeric paint can do wonders to the look of faded/damaged brick because of its thick coat and elasticity.
2. If your brick is not damaged and looks good in its normal condition you may want to consider keeping it. Once you paint brick you commit yourself to years of maintenance potentially. If you use the proper brick paint and prep the area correctly, however, you can prevent this constant upkeep.
3. Efflorescence. Efflorescence is white staining that occurs on exterior brick as a result of salt deposits. When water interacts with the brick the salt inside the material dries and stains. These stains can be difficult to remove and will not usually disappear permanently with plain water.Sometimes you can remove the stains with a stiff brush. If this method does not work try applying a diluted formula of muriatic acid. Consult a mason before you do this, however, as not all efflorescence will be cleaned by this acid. When you are applying the solution be aware that you are working with acid — a potentially dangerous substance. Use gloves and the proper applicators.
   

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4. Preparation: Scraping and Caulking. Eliminate, first, any efflorescence with the above method(s). Using a scraper, widen cracks that are preexisting. Eliminate the dust in the brick with a brush and/or power vacuum device. Seal the cracks with 100% acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk. You made need to repeat the application three to five hours later if needed. If there are joints that need mending re-point them as well. Be sure that the chimney caps have no cracks or holes in them.
5. Mildew. If you have mildew on your brick use a bleach solution on the surface. A generic household version of bleach will work. Leave the solution on the brick for 15 minutes or so. Remove the treated mildew with a stiff brush.
6. Prime the brick. If the condition of the brick is in good to great condition, there might be no need to prime your brick house or wall. In most cases, priming will help the appearance of the paint job, however. Use a high quality exterior latex primer that can be used on masonry surfaces. Make sure you prime any areas where there was efflorescence first (as it may need two coats of primer to match the rest of the brick).
7. Painting: Conventional Exterior Paint. Choose a color that will suit your home. Buy high quality exterior 100% acrylic latex exterior house paint. You can use flat, satin, or semi-gloss finish, depending on your preference.
8. Painting: Elastomeric Paint. This is the brick paint I would recommend. Elastomeric paint is a dense rubberized paint high in acrylic content. It is usually a water-based substance which is used by painters for its water-repelling assets. When applied it forms a water-repellant casing between the masonry/stucco and the outside elements. The paint can fill cracks up to 1/8 inch because of its great (300%) elasticity. You will need to apply two coats of elastometic paint to achieve maximum durability. Make sure you consult the manufacture’s “spread rate”-which will be 40-60 square feet per gallon. This will ensure maximum protection and performance when you paint exterior brick.
9. Lead Paint. If you suspect that there is lead paint on the exterior of your home, do not attempt to scrap or sand. Seek a lead specialist prior to performing any work. Lead paint can be hazardous in large amounts.

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Always consult a professional painter and/or have a conversation with the paint specialist at the store before you attempt to paint your home. Make sure too, that the color(s) you choose will be suitable. Get the advice of a friend or professional with a good color sense before choosing a crazy color — remember, you are painting an entire home, not a bathroom. Repainting the exterior brick of a home can be a costly endeavor, so sometimes being conservative on color pays off.

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