[gjones]

I have a poured foundation wall (basement) with brick on the outside. The corners of the foundation have cracked under the brick and one of the corners is bad and I want to repair it before winter gets here.

My plan is to use Tapcon screws to screw into the foundation from top to bottom in a few different places using 3 1/2" screws.

I know I will need some sort of bonding agent or concrete to make this work, so what is the best thing to use? Also, how do I prevent the foundation from cracking under the brick at the corners?

A couple corners have cracked up through the brick and I would like to know how to stop what is happening, or to keep it from getting worse.

The top row of brick has also separated from everything else below it and the mortar is separated from the brick below it. Any suggestions on both cases? Thanks

Graham

 

[epson]

A few pictures would be nice...

 

[gjones]

I will get some tomorrow.

 

[epson]

thanks:thumbsup:

 

[gjones]

These are the corners that need repair. I actually think it might be due to leaking gutters allowing water down the side of the house and collecting under the brick and freezing and breaking everything.

Regardless, it needs to be repaired. As I said before, I was going to use Tapcon screws instead of re-bar, and then form it up for the shape. What kind of concrete and/or bonding agent do I need to use? And should I clean the foundation with acid or anything?

When all is done, should I seal the repairs with anything?

Also, what about the cracks in the brick? Should I just use some silicone or something to seal it until I can cut them out and replace them? THanks

Graham

 

[TRUEPRO]

Not a bad idea using the tapcons to work as anchors for new concrete. Your best bet would be to use a bonding agent with a high strength, concrete repair patching mix.

I have seen TOO man houses where the brick cracks because the foundation drops due to a lack of or improper water diversion system. Yes, gutters can save your house this is a fact. Not in every case but in many.

Every single brick that is cracked needs to be cut out and re layed. I would recommend hiring a QUALITY brick guy that can do this job and not leave a sloppy dirty mess behind (mortar all over the new and old bricks). GL

 

[epson]

1) Remove any lose concrete material.
2) Chip out the cracked brick(s) and have new ones ready to
install.
3) Make a wooden form for your damaged corner
4) Wet the area your going to apply your concrete.
5) Apply either hydraulic concrete or your standard concrete mix with a trowel.
6) Apply your form and brace around it until concrete is set.
7) Remove form and install new brick and point.
8) Stand back and admire your work.

 

[TRUEPRO]

2) Chip out the cracked brick(s) and have new ones ready to install

Can you please explain to me how to " Chip Out" the old brick? (this outta be good...)

 

[epson]

Can you please explain to me how to " Chip Out" the old brick? (this outta be good...)

By using a club hammer and chisel gently remove the mortar surrounding the damaged brick. Or you can drill several small holes in the mortar and the brick to help it break up more easily. I have also used a grinder with a masonry cut off wheel to cut out the mortar.

 

[TRUEPRO]

Oh i grinder and chisel are going to remove the old brick without causing more bricks to come loose?

Obviously you are not a brick mason. Perhaps you should stop giving bad advice.

He said "Chip out"

Ha ima laugh about that one in my sleep. Go give your useless jibber on another forum pal

 

[gjones]

This should be fun to try to find brick that matches since my house was built in '58. I should try to get this done before it gets cold here as well.


I don't know why, but I am actually excited about doing all this work. I still have many more tools to buy!

G

 

[tony.g]

Just a few questions if you have a minute;

1. How long has the crack been there?

2. Does the crack extend all the way up the corner (to eaves level), and pass through other bricks as well as the one in the first pic?

3. Is the house one or two storeys?.

Instead of wondering how to fix it, it may be best to try and find out what caused it in the first place. That sort of damage doesn't seem consistent with ice damage. There may be other issues here.

 

[gjones]

I bought the house as you see it almost 2 years ago.

One story.

The corner that is not broken as bad has a crack that runs towards the eaves about 4', whereas the corner that is worse only goes north about 2'.