Brick Wall Wobble

[arseneknows]

Is it normal for a brick wall to wobble a little during construction? Our extension is being built and so far its only up to 5ft above DPC on a single skin, external wall. Its this section that stops for the doorway (so not secured at one end). So I expect some wobble is normal?

I stopped wobbling as soon as it did for fear of weakening it.

 

[joe-90]

You probably already have. Why didn't you just ask the builder?

 

[arseneknows]

I will ask the builder on Monday. I'd rather he know now if there was a problem then later when its built.

I don't know how much play should be in a wall, maybe a small amount is normal until its secured at the other end?

 

[theprinceofdarkness]

Single skin walls are unstable until they are loaded with weight. I guess when the door lintel is put in and the rest of the wall completed, it should be better. Sounds a bit iffy to me, because what happens when the door slams? What has happened to the inner skin? it and the wall ties will improve things immensely.
FWIW In a Victorian house I had ,the bit of brickwork in the gable over the front bay, 10 foot wide and 6 feet high was just balanced there, if you touched it it wobbled. So despite the wind on it, it has survived 100 + years, but no slamming doors.
Frank

 

[tony1851]

As it's at present unrestrained by the roof and additional weight on top, and also on the dpc - which gives zero bond - it will wobble a bit.

 

[arseneknows]

Thanks all.

The inner skin will be coming up soon. The block and beam floor has gone in and is now waiting for BC inspection before continuing with inner wall I guess.

The profile of the wall looks like this at present if you can see what I mean below (will attach picture). Door and window not in, no wooden frame work yet for door or window.

 

[arseneknows]

extension

• arseneknows
• 17 Apr 2015
• 1