Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Repair Cobblestone

Mortar often needs repair in cobblestone walls over time.


The mortar joints of cobblestone walls break down over time with exposure to the weather. Small repairs can grow into larger problems if they are not repaired. A small crack can allow water into the joint. In cold weather, the water freezes and further breaks down the mortar. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


1. Inspect the wall for cracks and loose sections. Remove the loose or cracked areas of mortar by striking a stone chisel with a hammer along the joints. Chip out as much of the damaged mortar as possible to allow for a strong repair.


2. Brush out the spaces between the cobblestone where you chipped out the mortar.


3. Fill the joints in need of repair with mortar by pushing it into the joints with the point of a trowel. Make sure that the mortar is packed tightly in between the cobblestones to form a tight joint repair.


4. Smooth out the joints with a striking tool by running it along all of the freshly repaired joints until the mortar is smooth.







Tags: cobblestone walls, joints with, over time