Quebec has a fairly dense climate plurality. The variation in climate usually affects brick siding, stones and especially brick joints. In winter, for example, the temperature level during the day differs from that of the night. As a result, the crumbling of the joints during the day promotes the infiltration of water into the temperature chamber. At night, the drop in temperature causes the water to freeze, causing bursts of brick or mortar.
To this end, how can the brick joints be repaired? Although it is possible to do the repair yourself, it makes more sense to call on specialists. Here are a few steps you can take to repair the damaged joints.
Gather suitable equipment for brick seal repair
To repair defective brick joints, materials such as:
- The mortar;
- Waterproof gloves and goggles;
- A grattoire and a dust mask;
- A chisel and a hammer;
- A sharp trowel;
- A stiff brush or brush;
- The water.
As far as mortar is concerned, it must be suitable for the repair of the joints. To do this, it is recommended to seek advice from hardware specialists.
Preconditions for repair work
Before carrying out the work, it is necessary to carry out cleanings, washes and above all to dress properly. Also, you should know that the most favorable time for such operations is spring.
First, put on the gloves, the goggles and the mask. This allows you to avoid health problems. Second, you should start by cleaning the joints of horizontal bricks. This will involve scraping horizontal joints with a chisel and hammer, being careful not to damage the bricks. After that, clean the vertical joints.
Indeed, you must already, in normal time during the first cleaning, remove at least three layers of cutting mortar. If this is the case, it will be enough to do the same for the vertical joints, making sure not to damage the edges of the bricks. Finally, with a brush or broom, remove any crumbly debris from the wall.
How to make the mortar mixture?
Generally, the manufacturer notifies the amount of water to be used when mixing. For this purpose, you must gradually pour the water on the mortar as you stir slowly until you get a pasty and quite sticky mixture. When the consistency of the mixture is satisfactory, the mortar easily clings to the trowel when it is in action. After that, leave the mortar to rest for a period of ten minutes.
During this time, the mortar properly absorbs water. When the ten minutes are up, mix the mortar again with the brick trowel. Some of the mortar may dry out. In this case, it is not advisable to add water to moisten it again. In the worst case scenario, you can add a new layer of mortar.
Start repairing
After following the various steps mentioned above, let’s now get to the heart of the matter.
To begin with, you need to sprinkle water on the part where you want to work. After that, put the mortar on the trowel and then apply it to the joints. In general, it is advisable to start with horizontal joints. You must apply the mortar to the joints until the vacuum or crack is completely clogged. For the applied mortar to be effective, put it in a small layer to the joints, letting each layer dry before applying another.
If you finish for example four rows of horizontal joints,you can now start filling the vertical joints. To embellish the repair, smooth and compact all the facades you’ve worked on with the face of your trowel.
Repairing brick joints, a matter of adhesion
For the operation to be carried out to be optimally efficient, the condition of the seal to be repaired must be taken into account. Indeed, when the seal to be repaired is quite crumbly,it alters the grip of the new mortar. To do this, it is recommended to dig two and a half times the height of the joint before applying the new mortar. Make sure the mortar contains lime. The depth and presence of lime contribute to the adhesion of the new mortar to the joint.
Moreover, when the mortar seal to be repaired is hard enough and very firm, the adhesion of the new mortar is easy. We just need to reduce the consistency of the new mortar. However, you must ensure that the newly applied mortar does not dry quickly. To do this, the old joint and brick must be moistened using a masonry sealant before applying the new mortar. The sealant prevents the new mortar from drying quickly.
What to do at the end of the repair?
After making sure that the applied mortar is firm to the touch, a diagonal brushing is required to remove the dry mortar crumbs from the wall. Do this delicately so as not to bring out the fresh mortar. During the 72 hours after the repair, you must regularly spray the wall to keep the bricks and mortar moistened.
Caulking-Elite, your best alternative for this kind of repair
Caulking-Elite is a company specializing in the repair of seals of all calibers. She also has several years of experience in caulking windows and doors. It operates in all the cities of Greater Montreal. So wherever you live in Montreal,contact us! We will be happy to make you a bid as soon as possible. Here, Laval or Caulking Montreal has all the appropriate equipment(gondola,etc.) to carry out this type of work at height.