Loose bricks directly above external kitchen window - 2 rows

[Clakkers]

Hi All...

I hope someone can advise - We have some loose/dropped bricks on the outside directly above our UPVC kitchen window...its approximately affects 3/4 bricks across the immediate 2 rows, that 'sit'(ok, hopefully they don't really sit) on the UPVC framework.

Any thoughts on this appreciated, of course, could call in a builder and may have too, but if anyone has any other suggestions?

Thanks all...

Jon

Untitled

• Clakkers
• 25 May 2012
• 1

Untitled

• Clakkers
• 25 May 2012
• 1

 

[SALL2009]

Looks like there is no lintel above the window. Has this window been put in recently?

 

[Clakkers]

Hi Sall2009,

Installed before we arrived..and that's the worrying thought...however, surely it's impossible that there's no lintel?

Weve been in approx. 8 years...they were installed within, well, a massive guess, 5/6 yrs before that....

(he prays)

 

[SALL2009]

Hi Sall2009,

Installed before we arrived..and that's the worrying thought...however, surely it's impossible that there's no lintel?

Weve been in approx. 8 years...they were installed within, well, a massive guess, 5/6 yrs before that....

(he prays)

It is possible.

Could just be settlement, there don't seem to be much of cracking.

 

[Clakkers]

But they are 'loose'...I can push gently of course, the bottom row up a little..

Thats what concerns me really...if it was just a case gouging out the eroded cement...but for me, they need removing and re-seating, excuse my lack of the correct technical jargon...

I thought all window/doors had lintels?

 

[^woody^]

If the opening does not have a lintel, then those bricks will be bouncing up and down on the frame and eventually the frame will bow and casements will bind

It looks like there is no lintel. You will have to check and see if you can see any signs of one between the frame and bricks

If there is not one, you will need to install one to rectify this. Not just reseat the bricks

 

[SALL2009]

But they are 'loose'...I can push gently of course, the bottom row up a little..

Thats what concerns me really...if it was just a case gouging out the eroded cement...but for me, they need removing and re-seating, excuse my lack of the correct technical jargon...

I thought all window/doors had lintels?

If the bricks are that loose that you can move them, maybe gently move one out and see if there is a lintel above the window.

 

[Clakkers]

lol...ok will do, if you don't hear from me again, I pulled the wrong one out and im under rubble....

 

[joe-90]

How are you going to get that red crayon off the wall?

 

[SALL2009]

lol...ok will do, if you don't hear from me again, I pulled the wrong one out and im under rubble....

Don't do it if you're not sure about it. You can always damage the plaster on the inside and have a peek.

One brick shouldn't make a big difference "if it really is as loose as you describe" But if you have to chisel out twenty bricks to get one out, then you will need a skip.

 

[SALL2009]

How are you going to get that red crayon off the wall?

lol this should work http://www.transtools.co.uk/store/p...c-electric-demolition-breaker-1200w-240v.html

 

[Clakkers]

Joe-90 - pmsl - v good...

SALL2009 - Eckin ell...only need one brick out - I don't think i could even lift that thing...

Brick removal will have to wait till tomorrow now...I live another day...

Thanks for the responses tho - and the funny ones - even better...

 

[^woody^]

Dont take a brick out.

Currently they are self supporting a little bit under compression via the mortar joints. If you remove a brick the course will drop more. Plus any banging will loosen all the others too

Look between the frame and the bottom row of bricks and remove a bit of that mastic if you have to

 

[stuart45]

It was quite common in the 60's and 70's to not have a lintel on the external skin. Wasn't a problem with timber frames, but once replaced with plastic the brickwork can drop like yours.

 

[letinman]

It was quite common in the 60's and 70's to not have a lintel on the external skin. Wasn't a problem with timber frames, but once replaced with plastic the brickwork can drop like yours.

agrees

i have a 8 ft door and no lintel on outer leaf and there is about half a ton of bricks above, its not ideal but not an emergency either