Brick & Block

Introduction Painting brick siding is the process of applying paint to exterior brick to change color and protect the brick. It’s a hands-on job that starts with prepping the surface and choosing the right paint and tools. You’ll want to follow safety and weather guidelines and verify product labels for suitability on brick. Before you […]

Introduction Spalling brick is when the face of a brick flakes, chips, or peels away from the surface. Moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and salt buildup are common causes that push outward and break the brick glaze. Efflorescence and rust on nearby metal can also signal moisture problems behind the brick. To confirm it at your house,

Introduction This guide covers integral coloring: weighing a cement-compatible pigment into fresh mortar before using it for brick or block joints, including repointing. The color runs through the mortar rather than sitting on its face. It does not cover staining, painting, or washing color onto cured mortar. Those are separate coating systems with their own

Introduction Soupy mortar mix is mortar that has too much water or too little aggregate, making it runny and hard to hold its shape. It often shows up when the ratio isn’t balanced, or conditions push the mix to loosen up. In DIY work, it’s a signal that you need to pause and re-balance the

Introduction The process of repairing or repointing old masonry with the right mortar can seem daunting, especially when considering the time it takes. This step-by-step guide breaks down the timeline and duration of each stage to help you plan your project effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a first-timer, understanding the time commitment involved

Introduction Weep holes in brick provide a path for moisture to escape and help prevent brick damage. The guide covers how to spot when they are needed, how to plan their size and placement, and practical steps you can follow to improve drainage and durability. Key takeaways Ensure weep holes align with underlying cavity space

Introduction This guide is for a small, above-grade, non-load-bearing concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall on a sound, approved base—for example, a low garden or landscape screen wall. It explains layout, mortar work, cutting, joint finishing, and inspection. It is not a structural design guide. Stop and get code review and, where required, engineered plans for

Introduction Concrete masonry units (CMUs) include plain hollow and solid blocks, lightweight units, architectural finishes, lintel and bond-beam shapes, and adhered veneer units. The right choice starts with the job: a small nonstructural garden feature, partition, exposed decorative wall, or veneer can be a reasonable DIY project; a load-bearing, retaining, foundation, tall, wind-exposed, reinforced, or

Introduction Even with the same sand mix, a repair can look different from the surrounding material. You’ll learn how particle size (gradations), moisture, curing, and placement affect appearance and how to adjust your mix, batch timing, and finishing approach to get a closer match. Key takeaways Gradation affects color, texture, and workability of lime mortars

Table of Contents Overview and Purpose Assessing Brick & Mortar Condition Brick Types and Their Implications Mortar Joint Characteristics and Risks Anchor Types—Overview Choosing the Right Anchor Load Types and Calculations Drill Bits, Hole Preparation, and Cleaning Installing Mechanical Anchors (Step-by-Step) Installing Chemical (Adhesive) Anchors (Step-by-Step) Anchoring into Hollow Brick and Cavity Walls Anchorage for