How To Patch Holes In A Brick Wall

Pamela Follett/Demand Media

Homeowners drill holes in brick walls for a variety of reasons, including running cable, electrical wires or pipes through the wall. Changing the location of the cable, wire or pipe leaves a gaping hole through the brick wall where water, dirt and debris enter the structure. Some holes pass through the mortar joint, while others penetrate through the brick itself. Repair methods vary, depending on the size and location of the hole.

Step 1

Brush the surface and inside of the hole with a stiff wire brush to remove loose bits of mortar. Sweep the surface and inside of the hole with a paintbrush or small broom to remove the dust. You can also blow compressed air into the hole to remove the dust.

Step 2

Pamela Follett/Demand Media

Mix mortar and water in a bucket to form a thick paste.

Step 3

Pamela Follett/Demand Media

Fill a spray bottle with water. Mist the surface and inside of the hole to saturate the existing mortar.

Step 4

Pamela Follett/Demand Media

Pick up mortar with a small pointing trowel. Force the mortar into the hole, packing it in tightly and filling the hole to flush with the existing mortar.

Step 5

Pamela Follett/Demand Media

Shape the mortar patch with the appropriate pointing tool so it resembles the existing mortar joint.

Step 1

Clean the inside of the hole and surface of the brick with a stiff wire brush. Sweep or blow the dust and debris out of the hole and off the brick surface.

Step 2

Pamela Follett/Demand Media

Add mortar mix, water and a matching-color brick dust or concrete pigment to a bucket. Stir the ingredients and continue to add brick dust or pigment until the mortar color matches the existing brick. If you are unable to find the right color of brick dust, pulverize a correctly colored brick into dust with a masonry hammer. Set the brick on a hard surface, chip off pieces of brick and strike the pieces with the masonry hammer. Sweep up the dust and save it to add to the mortar.

Step 3

Pamela Follett/Demand Media

Fill a spray bottle with water. Spray the hole and surface of the brick to saturate it.

Step 4

Pamela Follett/Demand Media

Pick up the mortar with a pointing trowel or margin trowel, and tightly pack the mortar into the hole until it sits just above the existing brick.

Step 5

Pamela Follett/Demand Media

Place a brick over the patch and press the brick forcefully into the patch to create a brick texture in the mortar.

Step 1

Brush the inside of the hole and brick with a stiff wire brush to remove loose pieces of brick and debris. Blow compressed air in the hole to remove dust and debris.

Step 2

Pamela Follett/Demand Media

Place a tube of exterior-grade colored silicone caulk into a caulking gun, or use a squeezable tube of caulking compound.

Step 3

Pamela Follett/Demand Media

Insert the tip of the caulking tube into the hole. Squeeze the caulk into the hole to fill it flush with the existing brick.

Step 4

Pamela Follett/Demand Media

Place brick dust on a trowel. Hold the trowel up to the brick at a 90-degree angle, tilt the trowel up toward the silicone caulk and press the dust into the wet silicone caulk to match the color and texture of the existing brick.