We get this question a lot at Brick House Masonry:
“Can I fix this brick myself, or do I need to hire a mason?”
If you’re a homeowner in Turlock, CA, chances are you’ve spotted a crack, chip, or deteriorating mortar joint and wondered if it’s a weekend fix — or a bigger problem. In this post, we’ll walk you through what types of brick repairs can be handled as DIY, when to call a pro, and how to avoid making costly mistakes that lower your home’s value.
Common DIY Brick Repairs (And When They’re Safe)
Some brick issues are cosmetic or isolated — meaning you can likely repair them yourself, with the right tools and some YouTube hustle.
Here are a few repairs Turlock homeowners often take on: Surface Chips or Spalling
- Small chips or flaking due to moisture exposure
- Can be smoothed with a masonry grinder and patched with matching mortar
Cracked Mortar Joints
- Called “tuckpointing” or “repointing”
- Scrape out damaged mortar (to a safe depth) and refill using a matching mortar mix
- Use a jointing tool for a smooth finish
Efflorescence Removal
- That white chalky stuff? It’s harmless but ugly.
- Clean with a 50/50 vinegar-water solution and a soft brush — no pressure washer!
Tip: For any visible water damage or large cracks, stop and call a licensed mason — these could be structural or caused by shifting foundation.
DIY Mistakes That Can Cost You – While it’s tempting to tackle everything yourself, these common DIY missteps can. make things worse:
- Using the wrong mortar mix (which can damage bricks long-term)
- Replacing bricks without proper support can collapse a wall section
- Skipping moisture control leads to future cracking, mold, or brick spalling
- Failing to match brick color or texture affects property value and curb appeal
When to Call a Pro Mason in Turlock – Some signs it’s time to hire a local expert:
- Large cracks running vertically or in stair-step patterns
- Mortar deterioration across multiple walls or joints
- Leaning or bowing walls
- Signs of water intrusion, mold, or erosion
- Load-bearing structures (like retaining walls, chimneys, or archways)
A professional mason can assess not just the cosmetic damage, but the underlying cause — and solve the real issue for good.
Why Turlock Homeowners Trust Brick House Masonry At Brick House Masonry, we’ve repaired everything from historic brick homes in downtown Turlock to modern commercial facades in the Central Valley. We offer:
- Free quotes and honest advice (even if DIY is the right move)
- Expert brick repair, repointing, and replacement
- Local knowledge of California’s weather effects on masonry
- A passion for helping homeowners protect and upgrade their investment
Final Word Yes — some DIY brick repairs are totally doable with the right tools and care. But for anything involving structure, water damage, or deep cracking, it pays to call in the pros.
Not sure where your project falls?
Contact us for a free consultation — we’ll take a look and give you straightforward advice with no pressure.