If your home's front stoop consists of crumbling or loose bricks, you may not only be discouraged by the sight of the damage but also be at risk of tripping if your foot catches on one of the affected steps. Revitalize the stoop by stabilizing and replacing bricks and adding some functional and decorative items to the brick feature.
Clean And Remove Bricks
The stoop and attached steps require a thorough cleaning so that you can determine the extent of the damage. While you are cleaning the brick surfaces with a masonry cleaner and scrub brush, mortar mix that has receded or loosened over time may be removed from the joints. Do not be alarmed if this occurs, in fact this is what you need to happen so that you are aware of the exact areas that need to be repaired.
If bricks are slightly loose, do not worry about removing them. More mortar mix can be applied to joints to secure the bricks. If the bricks are crumbling, however, removing them is necessary. A chisel and hammer can be used to chip away at the crumbling bricks. Remove loosened pieces by hand. Pour or spray water onto the brick surfaces to rinse off any brick or mortar fragments.
Prepare An Adhesive
One thing that you should be aware of before applying mortar to existing bricks or installing new bricks is that mortar hardens quickly. You need to be prepared to complete the repairs in one session that does not contain any interruptions.
Before combining mortar mix and water, make sure that you have plenty of replacement bricks on hand and that you have a large utility bucket, water hose, mixing stick, and measuring utensils at your disposal that can be used while preparing the mortar. Do not estimate amounts when adding water and mortar mix to the bucket because you do not want to take a chance that the mortar will be too thick or too runny.
After measuring the components needed, stir them together. Use a trowel to apply the mix to the sides of the bricks that are currently loose. Apply mortar mix to new bricks before wedging the bricks in between others that are part of the stoop's design.
Do not stand on the stoop or leave any of your materials on the brick surface. Instead, put all of the masonry supplies and tools back inside of your shed or garage and use an alternate door to enter your home.
Add A Non-Slip Mat, Terra Cotta Pots, And Interesting Plantlife
Place a non-slip mat on the portion of the stoop that is next to your home's front door. Plan on using the mat to wipe off the bottoms of your shoes before entering your home. Terra cotta pots can be used to outline the doorway. Add interesting plantlife to each pot, including colorful perennials or ornamental shrubs. With these few repairs and additions, your front stoop can look as good as new.
Share28 June 2018
I have always been someone who loves to know more about the way the world works, which is part of the reason I started reading about industrial and manufacturing processes. I have always found it fascinating that professionals can create things by hand, and so I started attending factory tours, asking questions, and doing as much research as possible. It was really interesting to see how much of a difference my efforts made, and before I knew it, I was able to completely change the way I thought about manufacturing. This blog is here to help other people to appreciate the majesty of industry. Check it out!
