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July 28, 2005
Crumbling Bricks
Does anyone know of what to do about crumbling bricks in a brownstone? If you touch the bricks (a few in the back and in the basement), they just crumble. I suspect some sort of water damage???
Comments
it could be water damage or simply an aging issue. bricks and mortar after hundreds of years can turn to mere dust at the touch (especially in the back and basement as you've described). you can hire a brick specialist to clean out the mortar joints and regrout them with new cement to hold in the bricks and replace any other bricks where necessary.
Posted by: jmc at July 28, 2005 9:11 PM
Before WWII, mortar had no portland mix in it. This is the constituent that binds the bricks well (Not to mention for a longer period). The foundation of these older homes had no waterproofing; hence water (Albeit from soil pressure or drainage) will purge into the home.
Tough call, as it is expensive to deal with. Good luck
Posted by: Anonymous at August 1, 2005 7:48 PM
Get this addressed immediately by a mason who knows his stuff
Posted by: Dan at August 1, 2005 10:29 PM
don't feel alone, i have to deal with it too- i'll let you know what/who i find
Posted by: Anonymous at August 2, 2005 9:50 AM
would covering with a good stucco solve the problem and keep it strong and sealed?
Posted by: Anonymous at August 2, 2005 11:42 PM
Let me see it to give you advice.
Posted by: j.mos at September 12, 2005 4:44 PM
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