Why DIY Brick Repair Can Cost You More in the Long Run

Despite their traditional use, bricks remain a symbol for strength, durability and everlasting beauty. But complex brickwork is still susceptible to wear and tear. Cracks, missing mortar and weather damage create an unsightly facade and may be unsafe.

For many homeowners, the temptation is strong to grab some bags of mortar mix and a trowel and try their hand at repairing things themselves. It appears relatively cheap at first glance. But when it comes to brick repair, DIY can create a few headaches in the long run — and those headaches will likely cost you far more than if you’d hired a pro at the get-go.

At Reinforced Masonry, we’ve seen firsthand the results of endless DIY fixes and why hiring professionals to restore your brick is the wiser choice.

The Hidden Risks of DIY Brick Repair

Improper Mortar Matching: Mortar is not simply “cement between bricks.” It’s also essential to choose the proper mortar type, texture, and colour, so you’ll keep your structures strong and in their ultimate aesthetic form. Using the wrong mortar can cause cracking, water penetration, and glaring mismatches that detract from the appearance of your home.

Structural Integrity at Risk: Brickwork is engineered to carry weight and stress in specific patterns. Without knowing the loads that press against the guts of your walls, a DIY fix may inadvertently compromise a strong structural wall, making it worse than it was and leading to costly repairs down the road.

Water Damage from Poor Sealing: Hamilton and the surrounding area undergo freeze-thaw cycles that test even brickwork. Water can seep in, freeze, and expand if joints aren’t correctly sealed — potentially leading to more spalling bricks or even larger cracks.

Short-term Gasps Instead of Long-term Cures: For one thing, DIY fixes typically address only surface-level symptoms while ignoring underlying problems, such as foundation shifts, poor drainage, or old mortar. That means you’re probably going to be dealing with recurring repairs.

Increased Repair Costs Later: Something that begins as a tiny crack or a missing mortar joint can develop into a serious issue, requiring surgery, unless it is adequately addressed. Hiring professionals after an unsuccessful DIY project often means unravelling botched work, adding to the cost.

Why Professional Brick Repair Saves You Money

We are Reinforced Masonry, and we provide professional brickwork that saves you from having to deal with minor problems before they escalate into large ones. Here’s why professionals are worth it:

• Right evaluation: We determine the causes of brick damage to ensure we offer the right solution.
• Professional artistry: We ensure that the mortar colour, texture, and strength are one with your original brick.
• Quality: The repairs made are designed to last in Hamilton’s climate, ensuring your home remains safe for years.
• Peace of mind: You’re protected from hidden problems or “repeat” solves.

When to Call the Professionals

If you observe any of these problems, it’s time to ditch the DIY method and hire professionals:

• Cracks in the mortar or between bricks
• Cracked or spalling bricks
• White discoloration (efflorescence) from behind water penetrating the grout.
• Bowed or leaning brick walls
• Brickwork water leak or draft through the walls

Final Thoughts

While DIY projects can save money and deliver a feeling of accomplishment, tending to deteriorating brick is unlikely to leave you overjoyed. The potential for misuse of mortar, concealed water damage and structural compromise is not worth the original saving. Although professional brick repair may seem like an additional expense, you’ll actually end up saving in the long run and maintaining your home’s value.

Reinforced Masonry provides lasting, expert brick repair and restoration services for Hamilton homeowners. Don’t leave methods of repair and restoration up to chance by trusting the pros who understand brick.