When DIY can work
- A few isolated joints at ground level
- Hairline surface cracks, not structural problems
- Modern, hard brick where color matching is not a concern
What goes wrong
- Grinding out old mortar can chip or cut the edges of the bricks.
- Mortar that is harder than old brick can crack the brick instead of the joint.
- Mismatched color or patchy joints stand out.
- Working on a ladder is a real danger.
When to call a mason
- Mortar is failing across a whole wall or above the first floor
- Bricks are cracked, loose, bulging or leaning
- Old or historic brick that needs matched mortar
- Water is getting into the building
Not sure?
Send us photos. We’ll tell you honestly whether the problem is small enough to leave alone or needs a mason.
