How to Repair Coping Stone Part 1

This article is the first part of a 2-part article addressing the repair of coping stone on a brick wall. When you hear the term or do an online search for the word you see it used to refer to the lip that runs the length of a swimming pool. This is basically the same concept when dealing with a brick wall. The coping stone is the top lip of a brick wall. Over time, either because of the way in which the wall was built or from the elements, parts of the coping stone can become damaged and need to be repaired.

This first article will deal with the supplies that are necessary for repairing the coping stone, as well as assessing damage to the brick wall. The second article will deal with the nuts and bolts of making the repair to the brick wall's coping stone, including the removal of chipped or damaged stone and repair of the stone.

Step 1: Determine the Damage to the Brick Wall

Before you begin with the process of repairing a brick wall's coping stone you need to assess the extent of the damage to the wall. This determination is necessary in order to determine what repair needs to be performed to fix the wall and whether the extent of the wall's damage warrants small cosmetic fixes or the complete demolition and rebuilding of the wall.

Thoroughly inspect the coping stone and check for cracks, chips, loose stones, and other damage. Once identified, you can proceed with the next step in the process.

Step 2: Purchase Materials for the Repair of the Coping Stone

After you have completed the physical inspection of the wall to determine the extent of the damage, the next step is for you to acquire the materials to effect the needed repairs. If the damage is isolated to a small area of the coping stone where some chipping or cracking has occurred, it may be addressed by applying some adhesive from the coping stone repair kit. Loose stones or mortar can be fixed by removing them and filling the area with new mortar or stones.

You will need to have a good hammer and chisel for the purpose of removing the loose stones and repairing the coping.

Step 3: Remove Loose Coping Stone

If the extent of the problem includes loose stones from on top of the wall, you can address this by using the hammer and chisel to easily chip away the remaining pieces of the loose stone. You want to keep the stone intact as much as possible, particularly if it is in good condition.