Using brick for the exterior of your home is both a practical and an aesthetically pleasing choice. Brick is a very durable building material, so it generally a safe and long-lasting choice. Problems arise, however, when chips form. Chips can form in either the face of the brick or the mortar. This can be fixed by a brick patch.
Chips in bricks do not technically have to be repaired as they usually do not affect the structural integrity of the building. They do damage the aesthetic appeal of the home’s exterior, however. Luckily, small chips are pretty easy to fix.
The first step to a brick patch is cleaning the area. We will pressure wash the area so that no dirt or grime is trapped beneath the surface. It is important to let the area then dry. Once the brick’s surface is dry, we will brush over the brick to ensure no debris remains.
We will then acquire brick dust identical in color to the brick that is being repaired. This dust can be formed by scraping to bricks together over a funnel. How much dust required depends entirely on how big the chip is.
We will then mix mortar. We will only mix enough to fill the chip or chips. When the mortar has been mixed, we will add in the brick dust until the color matches that of your red bricks. This will create a red mixture of putty consistency. Once we have created this putty, we will use it to fill the chips in the bricks. We will scrape away any excess, making sure to leave a flat and smooth surface. Next, we will use an extra brick to stamp the wet mortar firmly. This will give the mortar the texture and appearance of brick.
If your brick has only minor cracks, we might use something like epoxy or urethane for the mortar, as these materials are more flexible. They will allow the brick to expand and contract, which helps to prevent further damage.
Brick Patch Benefits
If the exterior of your home has been marred by cracked or chipped brick, do not hesitate to give us a call. Our professional masonry contractors can help you restore your brick to its original glory. We can also help you take care of the more serious damage. If you are unsure what repair you require, give us a call. One of our professional masons can come to examine the damage and then provide a recommendation.
Brick patch is a great way to upgrade your home before selling. If you are looking for a way to freshen up the exterior of your home, fixing the patches is a place to start. The curb appeal of your home is a key element in making a good sale. First impressions are important, and potential buyers first encounter your home from the curb. Our brick patch service can help you freshen up the exterior of your home, so that impresses viewers from the street.
