Brick steps are a prized historic features of many front entrances and home patios. Well known for their strength, natural brick steps are highly durable and have amazing curb appeal, making it a choice for many homeowners and builders.

Over the years, wear and tear as well as damage to bricks are likely to occur because of traffic and extreme weather. It is is very important that you keep your brick steps in good repair, and regularly monitor your steps for damage as it can be a safety hazard if someone was to injure themselves or fall. Loose and crumbling bricks aren’t just an eyesore, they can be a tripping hazard for people who visit your home. Unrepaired bricks make the entire platform susceptible to further damage, which can even become severe enough to loosen the entire structure if damaged enough.

Regular visual inspections and preventative maintenance on damaged areas is an easy to way to keep your bricks steps in tip top shape. This may seem like a dreaded task to many, and some may find themselves wondering how to repair brick steps that are damaged or broken. In actuality, replacing missing bricks and repairing steps are relatively easy, with just the right equipment and some free weekend time.

Step 1: Remove Damaged Bricks

Make sure that you put on your safety goggles and gloves before starting any task like this. You’ll want to either carefully remove the loose damaged or crumbling bricks by hand, or gently use a chisel to chip away at the mortar around the loose brick so it can be removed.

Step 2: Clean the Area

Once you have removed the damaged brick, along with all the previous mortar surrounding it, you’ll need a wire brush and water to sweep and clean the debris from the area. You want to ensure that the area is completely free from debris so the new brick and mortar can lay flat and attach properly.

Step 3: Mix Mortar

Now that you’ve cleaned the area its time to mix a batch of the mortar with water according to the directions on the package. Keep in mind that if you make too much excess, you won’t be able to save it because it dries out so quickly.

Using the brick trowel, carefully scoop the mortar into the empty space and smooth it out, creating a ½ inch layer.

Step 4: Place New Brick

When you’ve created a thin even layer with the mortar, you’ll do the same with the top and bottom of your replacement brick (unless its a top row). Using the trowel again, pack the mortar, adding more as necessary to support all sides of the replacement brick. Carefully wipe away excess mortar with the edge of the trowel.

Sometimes, a brick isn’t completely damaged, and you’ll find it’s more efficient to just repair it. When repairing a broken brick, use the brick trowel and mortar and fill in the crack just as you would fill in a typical brick joint. Make sure that the mortar is even with the rest of the brick and mortar area to ensure a natural finish.

Make sure to let the area dry completely before walking on it and applying pressure, which can take up to a week.