Cavity brick or concrete block veneer – crumbling bricks

Causes

Ground moisture being absorbed by bricks and moving up the wall due to deteriorating or missing damp-proof membrane, or plaster or soil bridging the damp-proof membrane

Frost causing expansion of moisture in bricks

Foliage (creepers, vines) growing on building

Listed under: Exterior, concrete and cement, concrete blocks, masonry, brick, membranes, cladding, walls, moisture, wall cladding, cavity brick or concrete block veneer

Cause

Ground moisture being absorbed by bricks and moving up the wall due to deteriorating or missing damp-proof membrane, or plaster or soil bridging the damp-proof membrane

Repair

  • remove any soil or other material built up against the brickwork

  • ensure that the drainage gaps in the cavity wall are clear and water can drain away properly

  • inspect the mortar. If it is in poor condition, the wall may need repointing

  • consult a bricklayer about repairs to the bricks and mortar. Ensure that they are a licensed building practitioner with a bricklaying and blocklaying license

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Cause

Frost causing expansion of moisture in bricks

Repair

  • ensure that the drainage gaps in the cavity wall are clear and water can drain away properly. Check that there is roof guttering above the wall and that it is in good condition and not overflowing onto the wall. If dense trees are reducing the drying potential of wind on the wall, trim them back

  • inspect the mortar. If it is in poor condition, the wall may need repointing

  • make the required repairs to the brickwork if you have the necessary skills, experience and tools. Most homeowners will engage a bricklayer to do this. Ensure that they are a licensed building practitioner with a bricklaying and blocklaying license

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Cause

Foliage (creepers, vines) growing on building

Repair

  • remove the foliage growing on the building and any soil built up against the bricks

  • ensure that the drainage gaps in the cavity wall are clear and water can drain away properly

  • inspect the mortar. If it is in poor condition, the wall may need repointing

  • make the required repairs to the brickwork if you have the necessary skills, experience and tools. Most homeowners will engage a bricklayer to do this. Ensure that they are a licensed building practitioner with a bricklaying and blocklaying license

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