Front steps look terrible. Job done about 4 years ago and concrete below bricks on each step is cracking. The bricks keep bleeding white and look terrible. I would like to buy thin brick face to put over the real bricks. What glue or cement can I use and will it hold?
My outside steps were done with used bricks that keep bleeding
by
Arline Zatz
+2
They look terrible and the cement used to hold each step in place is cracking. Can I put thin face brick over this brick? If so, what kind of glue do I use. thank you. Arline
That is efflorescence (salt). It could leach through a new brick veneer. It is better to just clean and control it.
https://www.askthebuilder.com/efflorescence-on-masonry/
http://www.etbricks.co.uk/index.php?p=articles-efflorescence-on-bricks-causes-prevention-removal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEGLg8kT-Oo
https://www.masonryinstitute.org/pdf/612.pdf
http://www.askwetandforget.com/brick-efflorescence-what-it-is-and-how-to-beat-it/
Scrub the bricks clean and then let them dry before sealing them with a concrete sealer. They are bleeding salts from the soil and cement.
You mention that the job was done 4 years ago. Have you called the contractor who did the job? They might be able to explain what's happening and what to do to fix it. I also read this question and answer forum where someone else had the same issue. Apparently it is quite common as the bricks and/or mortar bleed "salt" when it gets wet. It seems to be a natural process. The good news is that it can be cleaned up then sealed to stop the problem. The brick will be a little darker when it's sealed but I think that's a small price to pay to fix the problem.
Here's the discussion. Read at least enough until you see the answer to your issue.
https://www.bobvila.com/posts/48191-how-do-i-clean-thick-patchy-salt-color-from-red-brick?page=1#.Wc7W57pFzb0
I would use a liquid cement to fill the cracks. After that has dried a few days put a concert stain on the porch and treads. You could cover the brick risers with brick veneer. The stain and also the veneer comes in several colors to choose from. I wouldn't put the veneer on the porch or treads. It may not be strong enough to withstand heavy walking on it.
That is efflorescence which is usually caused by a moisture build up. Placing a brick veneer on top will not get rid of the moisture and may even cause it to fall off. Try cleaning and drying it very well before you seal it. But the moisture may be coming from the back side and there isn't a lot you can do about that .