At some point, repointing brick steps will be on your to-do list. From walls to walkways, all types of masonry structures need to be repointed at some time. This manifests itself when the mortar between your bricks starts to soften, weaken and fall out.
It is crucial to repoint your brick steps as soon as you notice joint issues. If you fail to repoint your steps, the pressure shifts onto the bricks and starts damaging them. This increases the problem and needs more money and expertise to fix. Making one or two mistakes during the repointing process can result in more damage. For example, using mortar that is stronger than the old mortar can put a lot of pressure on the surrounding joints and cause damage. When you work with a professional to repoint your steps, they should follow the steps outlined below.
Remove the old mortar
You should start by removing the old mortar. Mortar breaks down over time because it takes more pressure than bricks. When the mortar becomes weak, it starts to get soft and flakes off. At this point, damaged portions should be removed before doing repairs. The last thing you want to do is to apply repairs over the damaged mortar. That is a recipe for disaster. You can use a wide range of tools such as a mallet and chisel to chip away the old mortar and prepare the space for repair.
Clean it up
Before you start repairing your brick steps, you should clean them up. Once the affected mortar is removed, it is time to clean up the little pocket you have just created in the mortar. Make sure all the debris and dust are cleaned using a wire brush. Remove all the residue in the joints. You should have several tools to ensure the space is cleaned out and ready for repair.
Use the right mortar
When repointing, you should use replacement mortar that matches the original mortar, not just in color but also in strength and structure. Finding the exact match can be hard for older buildings. Luckily, when you work with an expert, they will have special testing kits that allow you to get a good idea of what mortar you need to use for your project. A professional can restore even old buildings.
Mix the mortar and apply it
You should ensure there is enough moisture for the best results. It is best to repoint at certain times of the year when the weather is still calm – not cold or hot. A small amount of moisture should be added to the cleaned section of the mortar before applying the freshly mixed moisture.
Before applying the moisture when repointing brick steps, it is important to ensure it is thoroughly mixed to ensure consistency. You should then use a tuck-pointing trowel to apply the new mortar inside the joints. Make sure the space is packed tightly. Flatten it to perfect and remove excess mortar so that the finished result is as neat as possible.