Replacing Bricks

Tools:

small sledgehammer
masons hammer
trowels
gloves
safety goggles
brick chisel
straight edge
pencil
concrete repair caulk
caulking gun
pocketknife
spoon
mortar mix
replacement bricks

1. Remove bricks by tapping along mortar joints using the brick chisel and sledgehammer (figure B).

2. Clean the old mortar from bricks using the mason's hammer. Remove all old mortar from concrete using the brick chisel until you have a clean surface to re-stack the bricks (figure C).

3. Dry fit the bricks and replace any damaged ones.

4. Use a straightedge to make sure the bricks are lined up, then mark mortar lines on the concrete using a pencil (figure D).

5. Remove the bricks and use the straightedge to draw a line on the concrete.

6. Dampen the area where you're going to place the mortar.

7. Mix mortar until it reaches a consistency similar to peanut butter.

8. Place a base of mortar along the concrete and start laying bricks. Butter the side of each brick before placing it in line (figure E).

9. Snug the bricks tightly against each other, and use a trowel to remove excess mortar that is squeezed out (figure F).

10. Wet a spoon and use the back of it to smooth out the mortar in the joints between bricks (figure G).

11. Apply a bead of caulk between the top row of bricks and the doorsill (figure H).