Hi there
Just after a bit of general advice.
Since moving in to our new house last summer, I've become increasingly aware of the condition of the bricks below the level of the damp course and wondered whether this should be a cause for any concern. I've attached some photos. I appreciate that it may be difficult to advise from these, but the bricks are badly spalled in some areas and their condition (and that of the mortar in these areas) is, I would say, generally poor.
It would appear to me that some areas of the brickwork have been repointed at some stage after the buildings construction with cement based mortar. I am wondering whether a building of this age (built circa 1935) should have in fact been repointed with a lime based mortar, and it is the use of cement mortar that is causing the spalling. Is this a possibility?
You will see from the attached photos that a particularly thick layer of cement mortar appears to have been applied along the top of the damp course for some reason (i.e. in the photo where the cable runs along the bay). Does anyone know why this has been done like this (i have seen it like this on other properties) and could this be causing the spalling of the bricks below the damp course?
I'm planning on repointing the affected ares as best as i can before winter. Does anyone have any advice on the type of mortar i should be using? Is there any downside to just using a lime mortar in any event?
Any advice gratefully received.
Many thanks
Just after a bit of general advice.
Since moving in to our new house last summer, I've become increasingly aware of the condition of the bricks below the level of the damp course and wondered whether this should be a cause for any concern. I've attached some photos. I appreciate that it may be difficult to advise from these, but the bricks are badly spalled in some areas and their condition (and that of the mortar in these areas) is, I would say, generally poor.
It would appear to me that some areas of the brickwork have been repointed at some stage after the buildings construction with cement based mortar. I am wondering whether a building of this age (built circa 1935) should have in fact been repointed with a lime based mortar, and it is the use of cement mortar that is causing the spalling. Is this a possibility?
You will see from the attached photos that a particularly thick layer of cement mortar appears to have been applied along the top of the damp course for some reason (i.e. in the photo where the cable runs along the bay). Does anyone know why this has been done like this (i have seen it like this on other properties) and could this be causing the spalling of the bricks below the damp course?
I'm planning on repointing the affected ares as best as i can before winter. Does anyone have any advice on the type of mortar i should be using? Is there any downside to just using a lime mortar in any event?
Any advice gratefully received.
Many thanks