Removing Brick Facade? Help!
I just purchased a “Brownstone” in Carroll Gardens that the previous owner had bricked over with a brick facade. We can see some metal pins, I think they are called “tie backs” or “tie ins” that one of the tenants says were put there to help hold together a crack in the brownstone underneath the…
I just purchased a “Brownstone” in Carroll Gardens that the previous owner had bricked over with a brick facade. We can see some metal pins, I think they are called “tie backs” or “tie ins” that one of the tenants says were put there to help hold together a crack in the brownstone underneath the brick. There is also water damage under the stoop we are told by M&H Construction is there because water is getting in through the mortar that is between the bricks on the steps. This seems to be the case as you can see that someone tried to repair a crack in the mortar with a slightly different color mortar.
So my question is, do we remove the bricks, try to fix up these problems, and then cover it back up with brownstone stucco or cement or do we put the brownstone stucco or cement over the brick?
Also, has anyone used Acrylic Stucco and if so do you recommend it?
Thank you.
if you’re not in the CG historic district, you may want to consider just a plain brick facade, since that’s the easiest to maintain. Remove all the old stuff, and repoint.
The number is 718-946-3132. Be patient, they do not speak English very well and they are presently very busy (I’m waiting on them for two jobs) but they are well worth the effort.
JOE
Joe,
At what number can I reach the Costas Brothers?
Thank you.
If you are going to do this job, and it is a huge undertaking. You must do it right and remove everything. This means the quick-fix brick and the damaged brownstone until some stable material is found. After the stable stone is found, it should be coated with latex additive/adhesive which will seal and harden the naturally soft stone and increase its ability to repel moisture (which is the larger issue). If you keep gooping layers over your existing façade, you will have much larger and more costly issues. I am assuming that the existing brick job also has steel lintel supports over the windows. These HAVE TO BE REMOVED and replaced with cast stone or similar products. The combination of metals and stone/brick is always a high-maintenance issue and eventually fails, causing again water/moisture issues. Once the old walls are prepped, you can begin with what ever material you want. Remember no mater how good the mason/brownstone craftsman or material, Brownstone jobs are very unreliable due to the nature of our climate and the fact that the stone and cement are porous. You will eventually have cracks. I have had both brownstone and brick jobs done in Carroll Gardens and have had no problems with the brick. The best Brownstone Craftsmen by far are the Costas Brothers. They are excellent at matching color and duplicating decorative elements flawlessly. They have done several jobs for me and I have no problem recommending them to anyone who wants to pay their rate.
If you need any other help or suggestions feel free to respond. Remember the cheap/quick fix will always get you in the end.
JOE