Brick spall

[Ben23]

Our new extension was built using 1930s bricks but i've noticed that some of the brick faces have fractures in them. Not sure whether they were like this anyway or it's happened since the building has dried out.

Is this a problem with the mortar mix used?And would it be worth applying a breathable sealer like storm dry to prevent further damage in winter? Thanks

 

[noseall]

That's how they came out of the kiln 90 odd years ago lol. If there is an overhang above, then I'd not worry about them at all. If they were below DPC then I'd be worried.

 

[Ben23]

Thanks for the reply @noseall

There is an overhang and they're not below dpc. Am worried because they are old bricks and someone mentioned they should have been layed with lime mortar but don't think they were.

 

[noseall]

Thanks for the reply @noseall

Am worried because they are old bricks and someone mentioned they should have been layed with lime mortar but don't think they were.

It's just a myth. There are circumstances where lime mortar is preferred yes.

 

[stuart45]

They look like.pre-war commons. They make new ones again in various sizes. Mortar needs to be weaker than the bricks, that's all for a cavity wall. For a solid 9inch wall built with really old soft bricks a lime mortar would be better.
Cement mortar was quite common in the 30's.