Brick Wall Restoration
In the process of replacing the old sheet rock I discovered all sorts of gaps, holes from non existing pipes? hanging loose bricks etc. I would like to repair the brick walls before putting the sheet rock back up. Where could I buy the mortar compatible with the old cement? and have anyone dealt with…
In the process of replacing the old sheet rock I discovered all sorts of gaps, holes from non existing pipes? hanging loose bricks etc. I would like to repair the brick walls before putting the sheet rock back up. Where could I buy the mortar compatible with the old cement? and have anyone dealt with the strange flat tin pipes (4 by 15 apx)? Contractor just wants to fill the gaps with cement. I don’t like this idea.
You can definitely get premixed mortar at HD or Lowes. About 6 dollars a bag, and the sand in it is finer than what you would normally get if you mix it yourself and therefore the mortar mix is easier to use. I would personally try to apply the new mortar to the old rough opening without the tin ducts in the way (1842 described what they are perfectly). Also, use bricks to fill in the bulk of the opening, not just the mortar. For standard mortar, you will have about 15-20 minutes to use it, so masterbuilder is right, mix smallish batches. And don’t worry about compatibility with the existing bricks and mortar. Just make sure it is clean before you add the new mortar. Misting the existing mortar and breaks will help the new mortar dry out too quickly, which can be important.
A small trowel and a hammer to break up bricks and the pan masterbuilder described (you can use an empty bucket, too) should be enough. It is not difficult work if it doesn’t have to look good.
Good luck!
You can mix sand with cement. Your old mortar might be more beige or more grey, but if it is getting covered up it doesn’t matter. You can buy what you need at Modern Way Lumber on 4th and St. Marks (open M-F only). The sand acts as an aggregate – giving the cement something to bind to. It is an inexact science to mix the two, basically 3 parts sand to 1 part cement. It will seize up (dry) quickly so make small batches. I use a large roasting tin pan for mixing. Wear rubber gloves so you don’t get burned by the cement.
You might be able to get premixed at Home Depot or Lowe’s.
The flat tin pipes sound like air ducts that were added as some time when you had a furnace in the basement. You may still have some registers on some walls that were connected to the ducts.
Many 19th century buildings started out with coal fireplaces for heat, then moved to ducted heating from a furnace in the basement, then changed to a water or steam radiator system.