How to Fill Anchor Holes in Brick | Ask This Old House

In this video, Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough teaches Kevin O’Connor how to patch holes in a tough surface. SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse. Kevin O'Connor meets mason Mark McCullough to talk about how to patch holes in brick surfaces. After explaining how holes in brick might come to be, Mark shows Kevin a selection of mortar sticks and compounds. Mark explains that they’ll use these materials to match the color of the existing brick and fill the holes. Mark shows Kevin how to mix both the compound and the mortar, explaining how to achieve the right consistency for the job. With an eye for neatness, Mark shows Kevin a secret for filling the hole entirely and then finishing it off for barely noticeable repair. Estimated Time: 1 hour plus drying time Cost: Under $20 Skill Level: Easy to moderate Shopping list: Mortar mix [https://amzn.to/3p6O5DA] or putty Dye for mortar [https://amzn.to/2YUXGTk] Sponge [https://amzn.to/3BHq1e0] Bucket [https://amzn.to/2Xe2cf6] Tools: Trowel [https://amzn.to/2YUYuYm] Jointer [https://amzn.to/2YMMqs1] Steps for patching holes in brick 1. Find a mortar mix or compound that matches the existing brick as closely as possible (an exact match isn’t likely) 2. Using water sparingly, mix the compound or mortar mix to a thick putty-like consistency. It’s better to add small amounts of water a little at a time than trying adding material to a wet mix. 3. With a bit of the compound on a trowel, use a hex key or something similar to pack small amounts of the compound into the hole until the hole is filled to be slightly proud of the brick surface. 4. Use a trowel to flatten the compound against the brick. Press down and use a small circular motion—don’t drag the trowel across. 5. Using a damp sponge, press the sponge against the patched hole and then lift it straight off the brick to mimic the rough surface of the brick. Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://ift.tt/3jclZ3N About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. Ask This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home. Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House: Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB Twitter: http://bit.ly/AskTOHTwitter Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest Instagram: http://bit.ly/AskTOHIG How to Fill Anchor Holes in Brick | Ask This Old House https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/