When repairing masonry of any kind, one of the most important things is to make sure that you match the texture and color of the original wall. It’s also crucial to make sure that the seal is tight and fully connected to the adjacent materials. When this is not done properly, a hole or crack in masonry can lead to even more serious problems. There are lots of different issues that can arise with masonry, but here are some of the most common ones.


Fixing a damaged area of stucco

To fix a damaged patch of stucco, first clean the area with a wire brush and get rid of any loose bits of material. Then, fill the hole with premixed stucco using a putty knife. You’ll want to apply two or three layers, allowing each layer to dry in between applications. On the final layer, you can use the end of a broom to make the texture match the surrounding area.

Repairing broken or crumbling mortar joints

To fix a strip of mortar that is falling apart, first use a chisel to completely chip away the mortar in the area. Break up any loose bits and pull them out. Then, run an old screwdriver through the crack to make sure you get rid of any lingering bits. Blow out any remaining dust with a compressed air canister. Wash the joints with a hose.

When the area is still wet from the hose, refill the joints with mortar and scrape away any excess with a trowel. Use a jointing tool to press the mortar in firmly and to give it a stripe to match the surrounding mortar. Let the mortar dry, and then fill in any gaps that appear.

Replacing a brick

To replace a busted brick, first chip away the surrounding mortar with a chisel and then break up the brick. Remove and discard all the pieces as you go along. Brush away any remaining fragments and blow away any dust from the gap. Spray it with water from a hose.

Spread some mortar around all sides of the inside of the hole, and then put it on the sides of the brick. Slide the brick into the hole and scrape away the excess mortar. Once it’s firm, smooth the mortar and shape the joint with a jointer.