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When painting brick, each application method has pros and cons. Spraying is much faster but may not penetrate the porous surface of the bricks. Rolling is effective for getting paint into the bricks but doesn't work as well on the mortar. Brushing is very time-consuming and also won't penetrate beyond the surface. For the best results, a combination of spraying and rolling is often recommended. If you use a roller, choose a thick option (at least a half-inch) and ensure the paint gets into all the crevices for even coverage.

You should generally drill into the mortar joints when installing shutters on brick. Mortar is softer, which makes drilling easier and puts less strain on your tools. It also lowers the risk of cracking a brick—something that’s a lot harder to fix. Mortar holds fasteners well enough for standard shutters, and if you ever need to patch the holes later, it’s a much simpler job than dealing with damaged brick. Just keep in mind that if your mortar joints are too thin or the hardware calls for brick anchoring, you'll need to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and adjust accordingly.

Yes, it is usually possible to repair a damaged brick mailbox. A professional brick mason or masonry contractor can perform the repairs. They can assess the damage, provide an estimate, and help you determine if the repair is worthwhile based on the mailbox's value and the extent of the damage. The repair process may involve sourcing replacement bricks and mortar. Damaged bricks can be cut out and replaced, or the mortar joints can be cut out and retucked. It's important to note that the new mortar may differ in color from the original. If the mailbox insert itself is damaged, it can typically be cut out and replaced as well. If your brick mailbox has been completely destroyed, you should check with your local building code enforcement office before rebuilding, as some areas do not allow brick mailboxes due to the potential hazard they pose to drivers.

You may not need a hammer drill if you’re planning on drilling one or two very small diameter holes in brick. For holes with a diameter of 3/16-inch or less, a regular drill with a masonry bit can do the job. However, the bit will heat up quickly, and the process will take significantly longer than with a hammer drill. Prepare to cool your drill bit down in a bucket of water more often.