Guide · DIY
Can You Fix Brick Mortar Yourself? When DIY Works and When It Doesn't
Small, low, easy-to-reach areas of failing mortar can be a homeowner project. Large areas, chimneys, older soft brick, and anything caused by water or movement are not.
The short answer
Yes, you can fix brick mortar yourself, if the area is small, at ground level, on modern brick, and the wall is otherwise sound. Beyond that, DIY repairs tend to fail quickly or damage the brick.
If you’re looking at a whole wall, a chimney, or an older home, go straight to professional tuckpointing.
When DIY mortar repair can work
A few joints
A small patch, not a whole wall.
Ground level
Reachable without ladders or scaffolding.
Modern brick
Hard, newer brick rather than soft historic brick.
Known cause
The water source has been fixed.
When to call a mason instead
Large areas
Widespread failing joints across a wall.
Chimneys and heights
Roof work and ladders add real risk.
Older, softer brick
Needs lime-rich mortar and careful removal, see restoration.
Loose or cracked bricks
That’s brick repair, not just joints.
Bulging or leaning walls
A structural problem, not a mortar problem.
Repeat failures
If a patch keeps failing, something else is wrong.
How to repoint a small area properly
Gather tools
Plugging chisel and hammer, pointing trowel or tuckpointer, jointer, stiff brush, spray bottle, and a bagged Type N mortar mix (for modern brick).
Remove old mortar
Chisel out loose mortar to a depth of about two to two-and-a-half times the joint width. Don’t chip the brick edges.
Clean and dampen
Brush out dust and mist the joint so the brick doesn’t suck water from the new mortar.
Pack in layers
Press mortar into the joint in thin layers, letting each firm up slightly before the next.
Tool the joint
When the mortar is thumbprint-firm, tool it to match the existing joints.
Cure slowly
Keep it lightly damp and shaded for a few days. Don’t work below about 40°F or before a freeze.
Common DIY mistakes
- Using mortar that’s too hard for the brick
- Smearing new mortar over old instead of removing it
- Cutting joints with an angle grinder and scarring the brick
- Mismatched color that stands out for years
- Working in cold or extreme heat
- Not fixing the water source first
Tube “mortar repair” products
Caulk-style mortar repair products are quick, but they’re a short-term cosmetic fix. They don’t bond or breathe like mortar and can trap moisture in the wall. Use them only as a temporary measure until a proper repair.
Related guide
Bigger than a weekend job?
We repoint brick and stone with mortar matched to your wall.
More guides
How Missouri Freeze-Thaw Cycles Damage Brick and Mortar
Why winter is hard on masonry, where damage shows up first, and how to keep water out of your walls.
Masonry Repair vs. Restoration: Which Does Your Home Need?
Two different kinds of project. How to tell which your home needs, and what each involves.
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