Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Repairing Hole in Cement Wall (From Coal Chute)

I removed a 2' x 2' coal chute in my cement wall and have purchased a number of CMUs to fill the hole. The hole is boarded by cement on all (4) sides.

I'm not sure how to do this, do I simply cut the CMUs to the best fit and install them? How do I get mortar on top of the top CMU (between the top of the 2' x 2' opening and the top of the highest CMU)?

Also, is it ok to cut CMUs to any size/shape required?

Would it be better to close this entire opening with 2 rows of bricks instead? It poses the same problem on top of the topmost bricks but would be easier for cutting...

Thanks

A 2'X2' opening should work out with whole Blocks you will just have to Cut some Blocks in half to create a Half Bond. Or Buy Half Blocks. The last Course will be tricky for you. Trying to slide the Last Block and a Half will be tough. What I do is butter the top of the second to last course well, then take your Brick Trowel and lay in on top of the Mortar. Set the Trowel upside down so the Handle is pointing towards you and is laying below the the Mortar line. Then Slide the Block in the opening using the upside down trowel to guide it into place. Slide the Trowel out gently trying not to drag the Mortar out with it. To fill in the last joint you will use a Tuck Pointer to slide the Mortar in. It will be best to start at the existing wall and push it in on an angle going back and towards the existing wall as you go. This will help to prevent the Mortar from just being pushed back into the Cells of the Blocks.

Though it maybe a little easier for you to fill the opening with Concrete Bricks.


If you have any question feel free to fire back.