The first step in repairing the mortar joint is to clean out all loose and adjacent mortar in the area to be repaired. There are a couple of ways to prepare the mortar joints. You can chisel the joint clean or use a power drill and masonry cutting wheel to cut into the mortar joint.
- If using a cold chisel, clean the joint of loose mortar and chisel out the adjacent mortar in the repair area to a depth of 3/4" to 1". Place the chisel at the edge of the brick and chisel toward the center of the mortar joint. Do not drive the chisel toward the brick or you may crack off a piece of the brick face.
- If using a cutting wheel, cut the mortar joint along its centerline. As in the above step, place the chisel at the edge of the brick and chisel toward the center of the mortar joint being careful not to crack the brick.
- Once the mortar is cleaned out from the joint to a depth of 3/4" to 1" you can proceed with the next step.
