Basic Masonry Repairs Guide: Tools, Materials, and Techniques

Posted on Nov 6, 2024 in Medicine & Health

Masonry

Basic Masonry Repairs

Basic masonry repairs are an important part of building conservation. When repairing walls, partitions, and ceilings, consider the materials, construction type, age of the building, previous renovations, and its characteristics or function. Choosing high-quality materials is crucial for successful repairs and subsequent maintenance.

Common Tools and Materials

Tools:

  • Brick hammer
  • Chisel
  • Mortar tub
  • Trowel
  • Float
  • Level
  • Pliers
  • Putty knife
  • Grinder or angle grinder
  • Chalk line
  • Wooden or metal ruler

Materials:

  • Thin-set mortar (for ceramic tiles)
  • Plaster
  • Plaster bandages (for reinforcing cracks)
  • Caulk (for sealing expansion joints)

Routine Repairs

Chips

To repair chips, remove loose paint and particles with a putty knife. Apply putty with a wider putty knife, let it dry, sand, and repaint if necessary.

Chips and Surface Cracks in Plaster Walls and Ceilings

  1. Remove loose paint and particles with a putty knife or scraper.
  2. Clean dust with a brush and dampen the crack or chip with water.
  3. Fill the crack with putty or plaster, pressing it in with a putty knife or small trowel.
  4. Apply a plaster bandage to reinforce the crack.
  5. Once dry, sand with a fine-grit sponge and repaint.

Small Holes in Plaster Walls

Repairing small holes is similar to repairing cracks, but skip the plaster bandage step.

Larger and Deeper Cracks or Holes

  1. Remove loose plaster or bricks with a chisel and hammer or pickaxe.
  2. Remove dust and dampen the area with water.
  3. Fill the hole with plaster in two layers. The first layer should not reach the surface. Score it to provide grip for the second layer. Use a trowel or ruler to level the second layer.
  4. For a smoother finish, apply a skim coat of putty, sand, and then paint.

Humidity and Leaks

Humidity is often caused by leaking pipes, condensation, damaged window or door seals, or poor roof waterproofing.

Common causes and solutions:

  • Cracks or defective seals: Repair the crack or joint and apply a water repellent.
  • Loose or poorly sealed door/window frames: Remove and replace damaged sealant with silicone or putty.
  • Porous bricks: Apply a colorless waterproofing product to the exterior wall.
  • Broken or blocked gutters: Clean gutters and repair or replace damaged sections.
  • Condensation: Clean the walls and apply anti-condensation paint.
  • Roof leaks: Check for cracks in the exterior, especially at wall corners. For shallow cracks, clean and apply asphalt emulsion. For deeper cracks, fill with waterproof grout and apply multiple layers of asphalt emulsion or rubber-based paint. Consider inserting fiberglass between layers.
  • Broken or loose tiles: Replace broken tiles with new ones.
  • Damaged tar paper roofing: Remove and replace damaged sections. A roofing professional may be needed for this repair.

Replacing a Broken or Loose Tile

  1. Carefully break and remove the damaged tile.
  2. Remove remaining mortar with a chisel and hammer.
  3. Clean the hole, keeping debris contained, and moisten with water.
  4. Fill the hole with quick-setting cement paste.
  5. Insert the new tile and level it with a rubber mallet or hammer handle.
  6. Fill joints with grout and clean excess with a damp sponge.

Safety

Always take necessary safety precautions to avoid accidents, in accordance with occupational hazard prevention regulations.