How to Convert a Frame Home to a Brick Home

If you have a frame home and you would like to convert it into a brick home, you definitely have a big project in front of you. For this type of project, you will have to remove the existing siding of your home, install a moisture barrier and carefully plan and lay the bricks. However, with the proper knowledge and some hard work, you can have a beautiful brick home. Here are the basics of how to convert a frame home to a brick home.

Step 1 - Remove Siding

Before you can convert your home to a brick home, you need to remove any existing siding. Take your pry bar and pry the siding off of the house.

Step 2 - Install Moisture Barrier

After you have removed the existing siding, you need to install a moisture barrier. When you do this, make sure that the entire wall is covered with the moisture barrier so water can not get into the frame of the house.

Step 3 - Prepare the Mortar

Before you get started laying the brick, you need to prepare the mortar. Mix it up in a wheelbarrow or a concrete mixer to the proper consistency, and then place it around the house on mortarboards. By putting some of the mortar on these boards, you will have easy access to it when you need it.

Step 4 - Spread the Mortar

Once you have the mortar mixed up and in place, you should be able to start spreading it. Start on one of the corners of the house with this process. Take your trowel and spread out a layer of mortar on the surface of the wall. Make sure you put out enough mortar at one time to handle about three to five bricks. This will keep you from spreading out more mortar than you can handle at one time.

Step 5 - Level

As you lay bricks in the mortar, you need to make sure they are level and spaced properly. In most cases, about 3/8-inch is appropriate for the spacing between the bricks. You also need to use your level to make sure each one is straight.

Step 6 - Stagger

When you get one row of bricks laid, you can start on the next row. When you do this, you need to stagger the bricks about ½ of the length of a brick. This will help you achieve the proper brick pattern and it will help cover up some of your mistakes if everything is not perfectly even. In order to do this, you need to cut a piece of brick with your saw to start the row.

Step 7 - Grout

After you have laid all of the bricks, you need to let them dry overnight. This will allow the mortar to set up and harden. After that, you should be to use your trowel to apply the grout to the gaps between the bricks. Once you have done this, allow the grout to dry and you should be done.