I have a 1-year old house with brick steps and stoop. During the construction, the mason informed me that i shoul not seal the stoop and steps paver surface because the pavers are designed to absorb the moisture to promote anti-slip conditions.

Now a year later, I'm noticing the mortar is wearing away, and wondering if the mason was incorrect (or if the wrong kind of mortar was used) . What should be sealed - the mortar, pavers??

Advise is appreciated as always. tom

 

Hi,

Usually, professionals and manufactures recommend to avoid exterior coatings (as glazed coatings) on brick pavers, by the reasons you pointed.
But is highly recommended to seal the bricks and mortar, to seal and avoid mortar cracks and to create a resistant surface.

My suggestion: repair the mortar ASAP, clean the bricks with clean water (don't use chemical) and apply sealer as recommended by the manufacturer.

Let us know if you need more help,

 

thanks patricia.

The mortar is not in too much a bad shape. I know masonry work takes some skills and practice, but would it be possible for DITyouselfer like me to repair the mortar? Do you have recommendtaions or tricks in terms of technique or type of mortar to use?

thanks

 

Hi,

Repair the mortar is very easy.
First you need to remove any loose mortar. Go slowly and remove also the dust. If you want to wash after, don't use pressure or chemicals. If you washed, let dry.
Replace with new mortar. Be careful with the replacement mortar's color.
Some time ago, I made a repair at home, and I found at Home Depot a "ready to use" mortar. I bought a very small bucket (125 ml) for 4 or 5 dollars. It is like plaster paste, just open and use.
Even more expensive than a common mortar, you'll avoid spots on the bricks and you don't need to worry about quantities
A tip about the tools: go to an art store and buy a little plastic pointing trowels for ceramic works, it's perfect for the job.
And a last note: be careful with the weep holes (in the wall), you can't seal them.

Let me know if you need more help,

 

thanks for your tips on this Patricia. Are you recommending that i use the "ready to use" mortar "paste" that you purchased from Home Depot, in lieu of traditional mortar? If you can clarify, that would be much appreciated. Can I also assume this pastelike mortar is OK to seal later after drying??

 

HI,

The ready to use mortar is an option. You can use this paste or common mortar. The ready to use mortar is more expensive but for small repairs it will be more "clean" .
You can seal after using the "ready to use" mortar without problems. As I pointed, just be careful to match the colors.

Hope this helps!

 

great help! thansk!