Worn mortar in brick work, advice required

kfw_2

Hello
I have noticed the mortar on several bricks on my wall have started to crack and crumble away, I'm no expert but it looks like too much sand in the mix. The house is approx 20 years old and bricks themselves are fine.

After chipping out the old mortar should I repoint with a general purpose powder mortar (add water and mix in the bucket).
Or should I opt for a rapid set cement. As we are talking only say 6 bricks of mortar and not an entire wall I am unsure which is best. Finish doesn't really matter as it's a side wall which you can't see. Is the 20min quick set the best and easiest stuff?

Thank you.

Mark_Mark

I'd do it with building sand and cement.


Or get some of this.


http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p69913?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=googleshopping&utm_campaign=googleshopping&mkwid=nLDLegCf&pcrid=25046337983&gclid=CO2w1M2hurwCFQ_HtAodA34Aiw

cyclonebri1

If you have no experience of pointing step back and rethink.

You could just make an almighty mess here.

Pointing needs to be racked out to a depth of at least 1/2".
You can do that by several means.
Age old hammer and raking chisel will work.
Angle grinder with 3/8" diamond rake will work.
So will a 4 1/4 in raking disc in the same grinder.


Trouble is they can all do damage in the wrong hands, and thius is before you start trying to re-point.

BUT, it has got easier.
Buy a mortar gun, a giant sized cartridge extruder for want of a better description.

You simply mixer 3;1 sand cement and squeeze it into the joints, as easy as icing a cake.
Give it an hour and press in with any rouded objest and brush over a further hour later.
Job's a goodun'

Footnote, you need to determine if your home is pointed with either Red or Yellow sand

Dan-Dan

agreed , my neighbours have had some done on their front door wall , its gone all grey , and it honestly looks like a 10 year old did it with plasticine

Mark_Mark

For six bricks worth its worth a go, everyone has to start somewhere. Add some 2" masking tape to the order to keep the face of the bricks clean, oh and a pointing tool.


Having said that a bet if someone is having work done local, you'll get it done for a tenner.

kfw_2

Thanks all, I have done this before but this was to a small garage wall and below the damp course so used cement before to match what was there. I have made note of the colour implication (grey vs. yellow mortar), the consensus seems to be - use a good mortar mix so will get the easy add water mix and add a colour tone. Do you always need to add a plasticiser, does it actually make a difference when applying?

Cheers!