Brick & Block covers practical how-to guides for masonry projects, from small repairs to building simple walls.
You’ll find articles on mortar basics, mixing and tooling joints, setting bricks/CMU blocks, fixing cracks, and common beginner mistakes. I focus on real-world steps and materials that actually work on site.
If you’re planning a brick, block, or mortar project, start here and work your way through the basics before you jump into the more specialized guides.
Introduction Spalling brick is when the face of a brick flakes away, revealing rough edges and exposing the interior. It happens when moisture gets behind the bricks and freezes, or when the mortar and brick age. You’ll want to look at how water moves around the wall and what the bricks are telling you about […]
Spalling Brick: Why Faces Pop Off and How to Stop Water Damage Read More »
Introduction Matching mortar color means picking the right sand, pigments, and a test panel to compare with the target shade. The goal is to balance color from the sand and any added pigment so the mix looks consistent with surrounding joints. Do not rely on guesswork—check product labels and manufacturer guidance for compatibility. Start by
How to Match Mortar Color: Sand Selection, Pigments, and Test Panels Read More »
Introduction Choose Type N or Type S mortar from the masonry assembly—not strength alone. For many permitted above-grade, nonstructural brick or block applications, Type N is a common starting point. Type S has a higher specified compressive-strength classification, but it is not automatically the better choice for every wall, stone, climate, or repair. First identify
Type N vs. Type S Mortar for Block, Brick, and Stone Read More »
