We have noticed the mortar failing mostly at the front of the house along side the small covered front porch. We called in a brick mason to see if he could fix it and all he said was the type of pointing used for the mortar. The sand is continuously coming up and the mortar keeps falling off at the junction. Is there a way to stop the damage? What type of expert should we call to fix this and other issues with the mortar (cracking, falling out). The home is 50 years old btw.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Patrick chats with the BS* + Beer crew at this year's International Builders' Show.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
I don’t mean to be flippant but look for a real mason. Perhaps even one that might be familiar with brick and mortar used in the area. The good luck part comes in when whomever you choose does the repair and no one knows he’s been there.
Best of luck!
Edit: another thought. This worked for me. If you have a local trade school or are high school career school, stop and speak with an instructor.
Or perhaps a real brick and block yard. They usually know who knows what and who pays their bill.
I used to be a mason. If you add some pictures and clarify your climate, I maybe can give you some input. In general, you'll need to grind out anything loose or cracked and point it. Softer mortar is typically better (type N), but you should get someone to actually inspect it.