Cracks in Mortar

• 1). Brush the crack with a wire brush to remove any loose particles. Break up loose mortar with a chisel and remove it.
  
  
• 2). Wet the inside of the crack using a garden hose. This will help the mortar set and will ensure that the surface is clean and free of dust.
  
  
• 3). Press mortar into the crack using a jointing tool. Use the jointing too to make the rounded swipe to match the mortar between the other bricks.
  
  
• 4). Wipe away the excess mortar with a trowel.
  
  

Replacing Bricks

• 1). Break up the mortar surrounding the broken brick so the brick will come out easier. Use a hammer and a chisel to chip away at the mortar until it is essentially gone. Remove all of the broken brick.
  
  
• 2). Brush the inside of the hole with a wire brush and blow the hole with compressed air.
  
  
• 3). Wet the inside area with a garden hose.
  
  
• 4). Apply mortar on all four sides of the hole with a trowel. Pack the mortar in tight by pressing the trowel against the mortar.
  
  
• 5). Push a new brick into place and scrape away any excess mortar with a trowel.
  
  
• 6). Shape the mortar surrounding the brick by running a jointing tool into the crevices.