I'm ripping apart my deck and just took off the ledger board and noticed that the mortar that's in between the bricks that are under it is messed up. I'm going to replace the window in the near future. I can't really afford for a professional to have it fixed, so I was wondering if you guys think there's any way I can do it myself.

Anyway, here are the pics. Any suggestions? Thanks guys!

 

I'd remove/clean up the failing mortar and tuck point in some new mortar as needed. It won't be a perfect color match to old mortar .... would that be an issue?

 

Re-pointing isn't particularly difficult but there is a knack to it and it's just something you'll have to dive into. After cleaning out the joints thoroughly I brush or splash water into the joint to moisten the old mortar and bricks. Then I use two trowels. I get some mortar on one and hold it horizontally in front of the joint and use the other trowel to slide the mortar into the joint. I pack the mortar in with the trowel while keeping the other one in place to catch the mortar that falls out.

If you can't resist the urge to use your hands... wear gloves. Mortar is alkali and quite hard on your hands.

 

Thanks guys! Should I completely remove any mortar that has cracks in it or looks unsound? And then put mortar in until I cant put anymore in? I dont mind the color not matching; I doubt anyone will even be able to see it when I finish the deck, so thats good haha.

 

I'd V out the cracks and remove what is loose. You don't have to fill the joint all the way in with mortar although the deeper the mortar joint is the more contact it will have with the brick and more likely it will hold up long term. Generally there is a space between the back of the brick and the wall - no need to shove the mortar in that far.

 

Just make sure you tool (vee shape or concave) all joints involved to compact and make the joint denser. It will shed water and not allow some water to leak in.

You do not have a structural problem.

Dick

 

Here's a question: given that no one will see this since it will be under a deck in the future, couldnt I just caulk it with tons of caulk? Not that I'd do it, but just curious. I guess it certainly wouldnt be as strong.

 

Are you planning on attaching your ledger board to the brick ?
That brings up several problem issues.

Some areas don't allow attaching a ledger board to brick as the brick in not considered a structurally sound mounting medium.

If you do fasten your ledger to the brick you would have to drill thru the mortar joints and catch the rim joist. The problem with this is that the brick is usually not sitting against the rim joist so that when you tighten your 7" or so lags you can draw the brick into the rim joist causing more mortar to crack and causing water leaks.

With the condition of your brick I'd recommend a free standing deck.

 

Yeah, I totally forgot about that, that was some serious stupidity on my part! I do believe I was told that in the past on this very forum and committed to doing a free standing deck, but got confused because I was tearing down the old deck that had a ledger board earlier this week. But I wasn't very clear on why and now I am, so thanks!

Question: the deck I'm tearing apart and replacing is an extension to the existing deck. The old deck does actually have a ledger board, which I'm confused about since you guys told me that it's not the best idea with a brick facade. It's incredibly sound and well built despite being quite old. I do believe it's going into the rim joist, though. Any thoughts? I'm likely going to make a separate topic about it, but you seem knowledgeable so I figured i'd ask!

 

Construction methods change. While something may be sound and last a long time it may not meet current code or practices. Every year there are several high profile deck collapse incidents so they have gotten much more strict and are pushing for more reliable construction methods. So, while your old ledger anchored to the brick veneer may be holding up well it can have some weaknesses so it's no longer permitted.

Back to your question about just using a lot of caulk instead of mortar. Caulk is just caulk. It may keep water out but it is not structural. Mortar is structural and will keep water out and hold the bricks together.

 

IMO caulk [mortar colored] is fine for addressing minor cracks but would not be a good idea for some of your larger voids.