Capping bricks -mortar mix

[Amanda125]

Hi

I am doing some brickwork for the first time on my bungalow, recently purchased. Engineering bullnose capping bricks to front steps balustrade walls were split all the way along and flaking to top. I’ve bought new Ibstock and old came off easily as broken. Feels like the original mortar was too strong and broke the bricks, felt like concrete. Can anyone please advise best mortar mix, strong enough so they don’t push off but not too strong. I will add water repeller and water seal. Thanks in advance.

 

[blup]

Some engineering bricks are engineering quality on the surface only, water gets in and expands when frozen which is what probably caused the spalling and flaking on yours.

Blup

 

[^woody^]

3:1

Joints well ironed.