How to replace damaged bricks in a driveway

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Introduction

Are cracked, chipped, or uneven bricks making your driveway look neglected? Brick driveways are strong and attractive, but even the toughest bricks can suffer damage over time from vehicles, weather, and settling ground. Learning how to replace damaged bricks in a driveway will restore its appearance, prevent tripping hazards, and extend its lifespan. This guide will take you through every step of removing and replacing damaged bricks safely and effectively.

Why Replacing Damaged Bricks Matters for Your Driveway

A single broken brick may not seem like a big deal, but leaving it unchecked can create bigger problems:

  • Safety hazards – Broken or uneven bricks can trip pedestrians and damage tires.
  • Curb appeal – Damaged bricks make the entire driveway look worn and neglected.
  • Structural protection – Cracked bricks allow water to seep into the base, causing erosion and further damage.
  • Cost savings – Replacing a few bricks now prevents large-scale repairs later.

By replacing damaged bricks promptly, you’ll keep your driveway looking sharp and functioning properly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Damaged Bricks

1. Identify the Damaged Bricks

Start by walking across your driveway and inspecting it closely.

  • Look for cracks, chips, or bricks that are sinking.
  • Mark the damaged ones with chalk or tape so you don’t miss them.
  • Plan to replace multiple bricks in the same area if they’re all compromised.

2. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Before beginning, collect the following items:

  • Flathead screwdriver or chisel
  • Rubber mallet
  • Stiff-bristle broom
  • Level
  • Polymeric or jointing sand
  • Replacement bricks (matching in color and size)
  • Base material (gravel or stone dust, if needed)

3. Remove the Damaged Brick

Carefully extract the damaged brick without disturbing the surrounding ones.

  • Insert a flathead screwdriver or chisel into the joint around the brick.
  • Gently pry upward until the brick loosens.
  • For severely broken bricks, remove the pieces one by one.

Tip: Avoid using metal tools aggressively, as they can chip neighboring bricks.

4. Clean the Empty Space

Once the brick is removed, clean the area thoroughly.

  • Sweep out sand, dirt, or debris left in the space.
  • Check for roots or weeds that may have caused lifting and remove them.
  • If the base is uneven, dig slightly deeper to repair it.

5. Inspect and Repair the Base

A damaged base often causes bricks to crack or shift.

  • Add a thin layer of gravel or stone dust to refill any low spots.
  • Compact the base firmly using a tamper or mallet.
  • Use a level to ensure the base is even with the surrounding bricks.

6. Place the New Brick

Now it’s time to install the replacement brick.

  • Position the new brick carefully in the cleaned space.
  • Make sure it matches the surrounding pattern and alignment.
  • Tap gently with a rubber mallet until the brick sits flush with the others.

7. Fill the Joints With Sand

To lock the new brick in place, refill the surrounding joints.

  • Sweep polymeric or jointing sand into the gaps.
  • Compact the sand by tapping lightly on the brick.
  • Mist with water to activate the binding agents in polymeric sand.
  • Repeat if necessary until all gaps are fully filled.

8. Check the Finished Repair

Inspect your work before calling it done.

  • Walk or drive over the area to confirm stability.
  • Ensure the new brick sits level and doesn’t shift.
  • Clean off any leftover sand from the surface with a broom.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mistake 1: Not Matching Replacement Bricks
    Solution: Always use the same type, size, and color of brick to maintain a uniform look.
  • Mistake 2: Skipping Base Repairs
    Solution: If the base isn’t level, the new brick will eventually loosen or crack again.
  • Mistake 3: Using Regular Sand Instead of Polymeric Sand
    Solution: Polymeric sand hardens, preventing weeds and erosion, while regular sand shifts easily.
  • Mistake 4: Hammering Too Hard
    Solution: Tap gently with a rubber mallet. Forcing the brick can chip its edges.
  • Mistake 5: Leaving Gaps Around Bricks
    Solution: Fill all joints completely to ensure long-lasting stability.

Extra Driveway Tips & Hacks

  • Keep Spare Bricks: Save extras from the original installation for perfect replacements later.
  • Seal Your Driveway: Applying a sealant every few years helps protect bricks from stains and erosion.
  • Routine Maintenance: Sweep your driveway regularly to prevent debris and weeds from weakening joints.

👉 Looking for related help? Check out our guide on how to repair loose or broken driveway pavers.

Conclusion

Replacing damaged bricks in your driveway is a simple but important maintenance task. By removing the broken brick, repairing the base, installing a new one, and securing it with jointing sand, you’ll restore both the safety and beauty of your driveway.

💡 Pro Tip: Always act quickly—replacing a single damaged brick takes minutes, while waiting too long can lead to widespread repairs.