Browse Forums Building A New House 1 May 02, 2015 7:14 pm My place has just passed lockup and I've found this loose brick (and a half). Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ As you can see, the entire brick is loose and separated from the others. The same with the half brick on the right. Neither are attached to the fascia. The builder has said they will fix it just before pci, but I don't see how they can fix it without taking the fascia off. What should I be expecting in the way of a fix? I don't just want a bit of mortar slapped over the current stuff. Follow my build here: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=74975 Re: Loose bricks in wall 2May 04, 2015 12:33 am Gosh I wouldn't be too impressed with that I wonder how on earth they managed to do that?? I hope they fix it to your satisfaction. Re: Loose bricks in wall 3May 04, 2015 12:36 am What are those marks on the fascia as well...looks like some kind of leak, not sure if possibly related to the brick problem? Hope you get it sorted out to your satisfaction.... Our Build Thread: The "Extended" Marina by Visionone Homes Our Inspirations: Frank Lloyd Wright | Houzz Re: Loose bricks in wall 4May 04, 2015 8:57 am Hi Alex I would also check the strength of the mortar considering you did posted previously about the consistency and workmanship of the brickwork ..does it erode and breakdown easily when you scratch it with a 50c coin? Also washing the brickwork in order to clean it with a pressure cleaner and blowing out holes in the mortar is also an indication of weak mortar, are you coastal by chance? BTW there is little weight in your roof when compared to a timber and tile roof...another possibility is that the steel trusses expand in the summer heat and dislodge bricks...which again leads me to think you need to check your mortar strength. Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Loose bricks in wall 5May 04, 2015 9:01 am Thanks for the advice. We're more than 5 km from the coast. You make a good point about the expanding frame, I'll bring that up and see what they say. Is there a robust test that can check the mortar strength? Something that a structural engineer could do etc. Would like to get this sorted, but also don't want to Un do weeks of work. Follow my build here: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=74975 Re: Loose bricks in wall 6May 04, 2015 12:41 pm Hi alex 5 kms is good so you shouldnt have problems with mortar erosion, steel corrosion,etc,etc. There are a number of tests..but you can easily do the scratch test yourself and post up images. Also Microscopic examinations, chemical testing, shear and compression testing if you require further assistance please leave a PM. Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Loose bricks in wall 7May 04, 2015 1:23 pm Thanks. I'll see what happens with the builder abs scratch test. I appreciate the advice Follow my build here: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=74975 Re: Loose bricks in wall 9May 04, 2015 11:41 pm I agree with mgilla, brick looks as if it was knocked, it happened few times on my jobs. I think frame expansion is unlikely as trusses sit on walls independent of BV. Brick research lab can do mortar testing and report for around $500 Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Re: Loose bricks in wall 10May 08, 2015 11:03 am Hi Alex Bricks shouldnt be knock out that easy! Useful Strength info, Bricks 10MPa, mortar 6Mpa, poor mortar <1MPa Testing can be carried out on site in situ by an engineer.. before the steel frame roof goes on. Remember, If the brickwork looks like C*** chances are the mortar is as well. Thermal expansion is quite an issue in hot climates like WA (+65 deg inside roof temps ), Large steel trusses can expand 5-10mm, this causes your gyprock ceilings to move and the joints to open and ultimately the tek screws pop in the gyrock..etc...etc a real maintainance issue for clients. Also high storm/wind load concentrations (coastal) can be as high as 2KPa on your weaken walls, If you are having issues please leave a PM...App/Engineering simulations are available for disputes, ie building commission, builders ,insurance, etc,etc goodluck Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs A Sabco spin mop, minimal moisture, not very regularly. I was told these hybrids are water resistant 🤷♀️ 2 7637 Thank you again Simeon.. I will call my certifier for that. Have a good day 4 5179 |