You're walking around the outside of your home and notice that the masonry below the siding is cracking and crumbling and in need of replacement. Don't worry, with a few simple steps, you can repair the masonry veneer yourself and save big bucks.

How to do it

Tools: Putty knife, trowel, hand maul, chisel, wire brush, aviation snips, drill, mixer box or power mixer, stiff-bristled brush

Materials: Gloves, eye protection, masonry anchors, quick-setting cement, emery paper, wire lath, acrylic concrete fortifier, sand-mix concrete

1. Put on your safety goggles and wear a long-sleeved shirt because there are going to be masonry chips flying all over the place. Using the chisel and maul, remove the damaged masonry veneer. Be careful not to damage the wall or lath underneath it.

2. If the original lath is damaged, replace it with a wire-mesh lath. Secure with masonry anchors.

3. Spread the concrete mix over the lath. Make sure it is even with the surrounding surface when you are done. Adding concrete colors to the mix will help blend the new repair with old finish. Coloration is not needed if you plan on painting the repair.

4. Smooth and add texture with the stiff-bristled brush to make the patch match the rest of the masonry veneer.