cracks in brick mortar

7echo

These cracks have been here for years and haven't been growing. I want to know what to do to fill the cracks and match the color as best as possible. There are 5 similar to this one, all under a window area, if that helps.

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Ravenworks

You can inject an epoxy into the cracks to seal against water then finish with mortar,You must protect against the water getting in behind the bricks.
That crack is typical of a much bigger problem such as a footer failure.

7echo

I have very large eave coverage so the only time water getting in the cracks is an issue is when I clean the soffits and bricks.

I will look into epoxy options. Any suggestions on brand/types? These cracks are mostly thin so I will need something that can be applied through a small tip opening.

jomama45

Couple of things:

- The bond on those brick seems real close, which is certainly prone to step cracks.

- Windows are a common place for step cracks as well, and often they're just a good indicator of where a control joint would have been helpful. Control joints are rare in residential masonry though.

- More than likely, chiseling or grinding the joints out, and then tuckpointing with a tinted Type S mortar will be your best & easiest solution.

Can you take another picture from a few feet back?

Ravenworks

Mine was the quick fix, jomama suggestion is the ultimate way of fixing it.

7echo

Wider view.

I am normally prone to do things the right way, but grinding out the joints, re-pointing, and trying to match the color is more than I want to tackle at this point, what with the zillion other projects I have going. If I make the cracks wider and re-point the repairs will stand out more if the color isn't spot-on.

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jomama45

Just smear some clear silicone over it if you're not real worried about what it looks like and are willing to repair it again down the road........