Brick Repair – An alternative to rebuilding deteriorated masonry

When damaged bricks are severe enough to require a rebuild then you could consider a​ vertical carved cement overlay as this client did. Follow along to see how the repair went.

The spalling bricks on this garden wall was severe so a brick repair was not an option. Most of the upper half of the wall was disintegrating with broken bricks and missing mortar. 

A complete rebuild was in order since a simple brick repair was out of the question. However the cost was prohibitive for this client so an alternative was desired.

In addition to the damaged masonry on this garden wall, it was also constructed too high creating a claustrophobic atmosphere inside the courtyard. The client was looking for alternatives.

We suggested that the upper 5′ of the existing wall be removed and disposed of. This would leave an height to the wall of approx. 3′. This was a comfortable elevation for the client to look over the wall and out into the street. She could also watch her neighborhood when sitting in the courtyard – instead of staring into a brick wall. The client agreed, so the demolition began.

Sometimes it is better to think about options before rushing forward with a repair or replacement

New concrete footings were installed in the archway openings and then filled in to solidify the wall.

You can already see the openness that the client was hoping for as the walls came down and more sunlight entered the space.

A beautiful magnolia tree that anchored the corner was hidden until the walls were removed. Now it could be viewed from the street.

New cap stones were cast and installed to properly terminate the top of the wall. This protects the wall from future water infiltration through the top and allows water to shed. 

We decided to taper or step down the wall where it met the home. This saved on brick repair to the wall and ended up provided a more pleasant visual transition from the house to the wall.

A scratch coat of stucco was applied to the existing brick masonry to stabilize some of the deteriorated bricks that were still present and to provide a base coat for the application of the vertical carved cement that was to cover the wall.

Now the application of the vertical carved cement overlay began. A a field stone texture and pattern was chosen that complimented the simple lines of this home. 

We continued with our vertical carved cement overlay until we completed all the walls both inside and out. You can see how the textured overlay changes colors as it dries to a cement color.

Here’s is our finished product with a cap stone, textured vertical carved cement and color staining. The home brick color was in the buff tone. So we used a buff colored stain to  bring out to carving and tie the carved cement overlay in with the homes. color. The images below are several taken of the completed job.