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 Smoke staining on exterior brick is the visible discoloration caused by smoke exposure from a chimney or other combustion source. This article helps you identify where it comes from and what to do about it. It focuses on practical, hands-on steps for a DIY cleanup. To diagnose the source, look for patterns of staining […]
Smoke staining on exterior brick: diagnosing source and safe cleaning Read More »
Introduction Interior exposed brick sealing is the process of applying a suitable sealer to brick walls to control dust, adjust sheen, and maintain breathability. The goal is to seal the surface without creating a glossy, non-breathing barrier that traps moisture. This article covers practical steps for choosing products, preparing the surface, and applying sealers in
Interior exposed brick sealing: dust control, sheen control, and breathability Read More »
Introduction Rebuilding a loose single-wythe brick wall involves using tying methods to re-secure the masonry and prevent additional movement. Identify the points of looseness and choose appropriate tying or anchoring approaches based on the wall condition. In some cases, that work only stabilizes the wall and a section may still need rebuilding if the bricks
Rebuilding a loose single-wythe brick wall: tying methods and when to rebuild a section Read More »
