Damaged Brick at Back of House – Recommended Repair?

[Nir]

Hi All,

Around 100 water damaged bricks came out from one of the external walls at the back of a very old triplex in Orillia. The house is wood frame, brick is just covering externally/cosmetically.

What is the recommended way to repair that:

- put an insulation layer, on top of that plywood and then cover with shingles after removing the bricks? (apparently, another section of the house was repaired with shingles in the past, like those you put on the roof(!) it actually looks good)
- put concrete blocks instead of the damaged brick?
- vinyl? Other?

What is the cheapest reasonable solution? who should I contact to do this kind of work - a carpenter, mason, plumber, general contractor?

Thanks,
Neil

 

[VHMay]

QUOTE (investmart @ Apr 24 2008, 11:45 AM) Hi All,

Around 100 water damaged bricks came out from one of the external walls at the back of a very old triplex in Orillia. The house is wood frame, brick is just covering externally/cosmetically.

What is the recommended way to repair that:

- put an insulation layer, on top of that plywood and then cover with shingles after removing the bricks? (apparently, another section of the house was repaired with shingles in the past, like those you put on the roof(!) it actually looks good)
- put concrete blocks instead of the damaged brick?
- vinyl? Other?

What is the cheapest reasonable solution? who should I contact to do this kind of work - a carpenter, mason, plumber, general contractor?

Thanks,
Neil


Hi Neil,
I would think that a good carpenter or general contractor would be your best bet. If you are not planning to replace with brick, then a masonry is not required. I`m assuming that this wall is entirely above grade (being wood frame). Insulation is not required on the exterior side of framed wall but you will require building paper on dry plywood/OSB sheathing before applying an exterior cladding such as vinyl siding. If it`s not dry, I would consider replacing it as well. As for shingles on the exterior wall, I would contact a roofing expert as certain shingles requires different applications. As for what you want to use (vinyl, shingles etc) I guess it`s what you prefer - I think the cost difference between shingles and vinyl would be minimal. I would also look into the cause of the water damage (poor lot grading) to assure that it does`nt cause you problems in the future.
Vicki May
TBS Carpentry Inc.
Edmonton, Alberta

 

[Nir]

Thank you Vicki for the valuable information!

My main dilemma, now that you explained other options, is whether to replace with brick or not(?) What would most sophisticated investors do - replace with brick or look for less expensive solutions? or: is brick actually not that expensive?

Regards,
Neil

 

[thejules]

Hi Neil,
Brick repair & replacement is pretty common in Orillia. This is a guy that does my brick work: Ken Ostertag (705) 484-0518 or his Cell (705) 238-8757. He does excellent work.

 

[Nir]

Thanks Jules!