How do I go about sealing my brick back steps so that the mortar stops eroding?

Question

I have a small brick landing at my back door with five brick stairs leading down into the yard. The brick is about seventy years old and seems to be eroding. Some of the bricks on the ends of the stairs are loosening and the mortar is chipping away in other places. Is there something I can do? I understand sealant could help, is that true? What type? And how is it applied? Thanks!

Answer 1

Go to Home Depot or Lowe's and ask them about Thompson's Water Seal. It's supposed to help prevent water damage on wood, concrete, bricks, etc.

Answer 2

Brick And Mortar Sealer

Answer 3

With all due respect to you; Certainly you can apply band-aids. In reading the details of the Q; ERODING is hardly the case. Where you got your info about sealer helping isn't strictly important; but even sealer is subject to the environment and erosion; if for no other reason than that steps endure abuse.

If Asked to take the job; I'd suggest repair and replace; not paint something over in the hope of a miracle.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Yup, you need to re-point the bricks. That's scraping out all the loose stuff and refilling all the gaps with cement. You could then seal it with Thompson's Water seal if you wish. Sealing prior to repairing will make future repairs more difficult. If you use salt in the winter, STOP IT. Salt kills cement. Use other substitutes safer for cement.

Answer 6

if the brick are 70 years old and it only needs pointing, then i'd say it was built well to begin with...forget the grout bag...grind out all loose and cracked joints...rinse dust off joints and tuck with mortar mixed just as stiff as you can and still work it...less shrinkage this way...when almost set tool with a striking iron...in a few days spray with a good masonry sealer...

Answer 7

first you have to get some mortar, mix according to instructions, add a little xtra water, you need a groutbag to apply between the bricks [ that's like a pastry bag]
after it dries you can coat it with polyurethane.
did masonry for 4 years.
P.S. remove any loose mortar first, & reset loose bricks
GOOD LUCK!

Answer 8

you may have to replace the mortar depending on how bad it is. then go to your local hardware store and ask for a concrete sealer. ducan and behr make a couple of them, but there are prob dozens of brands out there. just follow the label instructions

Answer 9

problematic situation. research into the search engines. that could help!