It’s probably still a bit too cold for most people to spend hours outside working on a new design for their garden, but the weather is due to pick up in a couple of months, so now really could be the best time to start making plans, especially if there are some structural issues you’ll need to deal with.
You don’t see it so much with new homes nowadays, but older properties may well have a brick wall surrounding their perimeter, and these can be particularly troublesome when they start to decay. This is why I’ve decided today would be a good time to release my article on how you should go about repairing such a dangerous construction.
Some people might consider employing the services of a specialist company with experience in the field such as Concrete Renovations, whilst others decide to have a go themselves. So let’s take a look at ways you can try to rectify crumbling brickwork.
Scrub the Affected Area
You probably want to avoid having to completely rebuild the wall (related: how to lay bricks), and so your first move will be to scrub all crumbling areas with a wire brush. This should help to dislodge any loose concrete or bricks and leave only the most stable section of your wall standing.
Mixing Your Cement
The next step is to get a wheelbarrow or something similar and start mixing your cement. This mixture will help to ensure all your new bricks are securely fastened to the existing structure and should provide you with optimum durability.
Laying The Bricks
Now your cement is ready, it’s time to start laying your new bricks on top of the crumbling wall. Make sure you use a generous amount of cement. Too little could cause problems in a year’s time, whereas too much could make the construction look messy and untidy. Have a play around with quantities during this stage to ensure you know exactly how much to use for the bulk of the job.
Repairing Other Areas
You’ll probably notice other areas around the wall where bricks are becoming loose or breaking away. Here you need to apply some extra cement with a trowel to provide extra support. Take your time when doing this and make sure you’ve covered any gaps that may be forming. This should lengthen the lifespan of your wall by at least 5 to 10 years.
Enjoy Your Handywork
Once all this is completed, it’s time to sit back and wait for your wall to dry. Depending on weather conditions, it may be wise to cover it with a tarpaulin, as excess water may get into the cement and cause additional problems. All in all, this entire task should take around 2 days to complete.
You should now have a structurally sound brick wall that’s certain to make your garden look that little bit more inviting. Well done!
