If you have brick that’s cracked all the way through, it should be replaced. This is best left to a bricklayer, especially if the damage is extensive. As mentioned in How Brick Crumbles, waterproofing can be applied to brick surfaces to slow down spalling. Keeping weep holes clear in brick veneer will also help eliminate some water problems. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done, as weep holes are often clogged with mortar that’s dropped by the bricklayers during the building process. If this is the case, it’s possible to have special vents installed to improve ventilation. These vents are the size of a brick and are held in place with caulking.
Mitigating Mortar Problems
Even the best mortar will break down over time. The lime in it leaches out, cracks develop, and water seeps in. When this happens, mortar starts to crumble. As mentioned, you can replace crumbling mortar by repointing it. You’ll need the following:
A chisel or similarly pointed tool. Safety goggles. Mortar. You want dry, ready-mixed mortar. Buy a bag marked water-resistant type N. Something to mix the mortar in. A plastic bucket (plan on throwing it away when you’re done) is fine. A small trowel. A spray bottle full of water.
Here’s what you’ll do:
