Brick displacement - InspectionNews

Jeff Eastman · #1 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 08:39 AM

...............

Rick Cantrell · #2 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 09:44 AM

If no signs of cracking, or movement, other than what is shown.
Looks like the soldier bricks were not mortared into place well when built.

Jerry Peck · #3 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 03:35 PM

I can see where the bricks moved from where originally laid.

I can also see the mortar which has fallen back into the now-larger-mortar space.

I can also see patches where the movement has been repaired previously, then more movement.

Big deal? Probably not.

Has it stopped moving? Probably not.

Is that movement critical and cause for a failure? Probably not.

Sure are a lot of 'probably not' in there. A structural engineer could be overkill, but it would also cover your but when it decides to move again.

Richard Rushing · #4 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 05:25 PM

My thoughts are that the thinly placed mortar joint was not well placed/set to begin with.

I would not call for a Structural Engineer as that is like hitting a nail with a jack hammer. Costly too.

Rich

Jerry Peck · #5 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 05:35 PM

I just had another thought (oh-oh).

*I* 'was assuming' that was a brick wall, but ... in all likelihood, it is brick veneer ...

And, for brick veneer, you do not need a structural engineer, you need a mason. Not enough movement in brick veneer to worry about a structural engineer.

In looking at the photos, I was wondering why the mortar fell back in like that, then realized that would be the 1" air space - DUH! Jerry ... think man, think.

Erby Crofutt · #6 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 05:56 PM

My CYA for stuff I don't REALLY think a referral is warranted:

A crack was visible in the brick veneer at the __________. I don't know if the cracks happened yesterday or 20 years ago. There is no easy way to tell how old the cracks are or whether they are structural in nature. The crack(s) should be repaired and monitored for further movement. If further movement is noted, I recommend that a qualified brick mason, who utilizes the services of a licensed engineer to design repairs, be contacted to determine needed repairs & best repair methods, estimate costs, and to perform any repairs deemed necessary.

IF I think it's bad enough, then I just tell em to get a brick mason to fix it.

Jon Randolph · #7 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 06:44 PM

Looks like this is the top row of bricks on the veneer. Like Jerry said there is an air gap behind and probably no support from the top. The corner brisks is in the pics will be the first to move as it won't take much external force to cause the mortat to come loose. Not structural, cut cosmetic. Does need to be repaired to prevent structural damage from rain, snow, etc.