Temporary filling of mortar

[RunsWithScissors]

Hoping someone can help me figure out the best way to quickly fill in some holes in the mortar on the outside of the house.

Want to DIY it, we are looking to have an extension done in a few years time, so will look to having things done more properly/permanently then to keep cost and hassle down.

So, is there anything I can buy to fill in these gaps, some are about a brick width long (but spanning two bricks, so they aren't falling out at all).

Would an exterior silicone sealant work for this, or am I doomed to mixing mortar?

Help!

it sounds like you mean repointing.

Sand and cement mortar is thh thing to use. Silicone will look awful and will cost more. scrape out loose or crumbly stuff.

You will probably make a mess of it, so start with a bit that doesn't show. A stiff dry brush will help remove what you accidentally smear over the face of the bricks, do it within half an hour.

Try not to mix it too wet and sloppy. As stiff as cake mix will do Do not let water on it for 24 hours, but after that, a wet week will stop it drying out too fast and help it to gain strength.

the correct tool is a small pointed trowel. You can try with a flat metal filling knife. You also need a flat metal surface such as a hawk to push the mortar off. Press it into the joint with a rounded tool that also leaves a smooth surface.

I have a feeling you will get better results if you can find an experienced local person to do it. You need a recommendation, and insist on seeing a sample of their work.

It is not difficult or complicated work, but it relies on manual skill.

Agree with PigletJohn, we had just a few teeny bits that needed repointing, so we bought a ready to mix mortar where you just add water and it will make your life easier, you want this

We got ours from B&Q I think, if not any Jewsons or the likes.

I suggest putting down cardboard too on the floor, as you will not get it all into the joint. I consider myself to be quite competent at DIY and I found it quite messy and I had all the right tools too.

If it is a large area then pay someone, seriously, it is tedious and laborious.

Sorry for the delay in replying... internet connection was down yesterday.

I'll admit to knowing in my heart the answer would be repointing... was hoping there would be a magical tube of something far simpler :-)

Thanks both for your recommendations. Now I just have to guess at when we might get a dry stretch.

Not a huge amount to do, so will look at starting after Christmas. Good tip about cardboard on the ground.

Thanks!