Have granite steps (see picture) with 5/8″ overhang on bottom step. Brick walkway stops in front of granite steps; that is, it does not go under the 5/8″ overhang. A year ago, I pulled out grass growing between the bricks in the first 2 rows in front of the steps.; the filler between the bricks came out with the grass. This destabilized the first row of bricks and, over the months, they “walked” under the 5/8″ overhang. And then the other rows started to do the same.
My fix:
I am not sure if there was a reason for the 5/8” overhang, but decided to fill this void using half bricks cut lengthwise. The half bricks were placed low enough so there was a gap of 1/8” – 3/16” between the top surface of the bricks and the underside of the granite step overhang. They were also set in stone dust, with some stone dust placed (as best as possible) behind the half bricks.
The 4 rows of bricks that had been removed were then reinstalled. Now, the first row is not able to “walk” back under the granite step overhang.
I also spread stone dust between the reinstalled bricks. So the 1/8” – 3/16” gap between the half bricks under the granite step overhang is probably now filled with some stone dust. Is this an issue?
Never having done brick work before, is my approach to filling the overhang void okay? Anything else I should have done?
Thanks!
Replies
Looks like a very nice job and nice solution. After six months, if you need too, use stone dust on top of joints if there is any settling.
oops "with 5/8″ overhang on bottom step" should be 2 5/8" overhang on bottom step.
Thanks for the comment! Yes, I will use stone dust as needed for settling.
I also cleaned out the stone dust that was between the half bricks and the underside of the overhang, so that the gap in picture 1 is still there. Not sure if this was needed, but thought it might be necessary for expansion/thaw of water that will certainly get under. the overhang in the winter. The steps and walkway are on the north side of the house, so get no direct sun until Spring..