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Yes, you can do German schmear on stone. You can account for the more textured and rough surface of stone by using a large paintbrush instead of a putty knife. A brush allows you to drag mortar across the stone to get it into all the cracks and crevices. However, a brush will cover more of the surface, so you may need a wet sponge to scrub excess mortar and expose more of your stone.

Most of the time, you don’t need to seal brickwork and can save that money for another area of home improvement. But if your brick is cracking or you live in an area with a lot of excess moisture (either in terms of rain or freezes), sealing can extend the lifetime of your home. But, make sure you use a breathable sealant, like siloxane, to allow the moisture to evaporate on its own.

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.

Rock salt and ice melts contain sodium chloride, aka salt, and are corrosive to metal and concrete. If used frequently over time, it can cause corrosion, discoloration, chipping, and cracking to patios, walkways, and driveways. You can try a rock salt alternative or hire a professional snow removal company instead.