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 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 […]
How to Paint Brick Siding — DIY Steps + Stop Points Read More »
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,
Spalling Brick – 9 Causes (How to Confirm) Read More »
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
How to Tint Fresh Mortar for Brick and Block Joints Read More »
