Best way to repair broken bricks (structural)

[Red Squirrel]

I will post pics next time I go to the house, and yes, it's the big cinder block type bricks like these, just gray, so no tone issues and I want to put cement all over it and rest of outside part of foundation anyway.

And no I'm not an expert, this is why I'm asking questions because I want to learn to do these things myself instead of pay lot of money. Lot of the stuff I'm getting done professionally just to save hassles, but things like this which can wait (to some extent) I want to tackle myself. I've always wanted to learn handyman stuff, just never had a house to actually perform any such work, now I do.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
I will post pics next time I go to the house, and yes, it's the big cinder block type bricks like these, just gray, so no tone issues and I want to put cement all over it and rest of outside part of foundation anyway.

And no I'm not an expert, this is why I'm asking questions because I want to learn to do these things myself instead of pay lot of money. Lot of the stuff I'm getting done professionally just to save hassles, but things like this which can wait (to some extent) I want to tackle myself. I've always wanted to learn handyman stuff, just never had a house to actually perform any such work, now I do.

Why would you call those bricks? I've never heard those referred to as bricks.

Anyway, you need to have this evaluated by a professional. I wouldn't attempt to do foundation work yourself unless you have extensive knowledge in the area.

 

[seemingly random]

If I were you op, I'd leave _all_ decision making to someone else - including finish work. If not, you'll have a mess and won't be able to get your money out of this house. Get a few different bids to make sure someone's not taking advantage of you. Be prepared to spend some money now or a lot later.

 

[BoomerD]

OK, definitely NOT bricks...and makes more sense.

You DEFINITELY want to get a masonry contractor involved. Those cinder blocks could (and should) be filled with concrete and maybe even rebar for reinforcing. (I don't remember the code for masonry foundations. I KNOW a cinder block wall has reinforcing requirements and I believe foundations do too.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Yeah I could get someone to do it, and I may get estimates just do get an idea of cost, as I want to redo all the foundation surfacing and fix the few broken bricks/blocks eventually, but I'm sure it's not rocket science and that I can probably tackle it myself given proper guidance from a professional source. If the whole foundation was crumbling it would be another story and I'd get a structural engineer involved (or would not have bought the house in first place), but this is nothing but preventative maintenance.

And yeah this is an old foundation as they normally don't use blocks here. They are poured using forms. I was actually surprised to see they never filled the brick holes. There may be a reason for that though but I have not found anything saying it should not be done. May be the best fix for my situation. Just need to use a cement that will bond well to the existing cement or I will have a huge weak point.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
I was actually surprised to see they never filled the brick holes. There may be a reason for that though but I have not found anything saying it should not be done. May be the best fix for my situation. Just need to use a cement that will bond well to the existing cement or I will have a huge weak point.

I don't know much about it, but I would think the air space in the blocks would make them more energy efficient.

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: lxskllr

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
I was actually surprised to see they never filled the brick holes. There may be a reason for that though but I have not found anything saying it should not be done. May be the best fix for my situation. Just need to use a cement that will bond well to the existing cement or I will have a huge weak point.

I don't know much about it, but I would think the air space in the blocks would make them more energy efficient.

It also makes them considerably weaker, less stable, and more prone to breakage.

 

[Fayd]

Originally posted by: BoomerD

Originally posted by: lxskllr

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
I was actually surprised to see they never filled the brick holes. There may be a reason for that though but I have not found anything saying it should not be done. May be the best fix for my situation. Just need to use a cement that will bond well to the existing cement or I will have a huge weak point.

I don't know much about it, but I would think the air space in the blocks would make them more energy efficient.

It also makes them considerably weaker, less stable, and more prone to breakage.

catchpoints for water, potential vermin, etc as well. do your energy efficiency between the cinderblock and whatever you have interiorwise, not in the cinderblock.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Ok I had forgot about this thread, here are pics of the damage:

http://gal.redsquirrel.me/?level=picture&id=412

 

[Mo0o]

Uh... where i come from they call that cinderblock, brick is the red things ontop

 

[BoomerD]

Get a masonry contractor to come look at the damage. From the looks of things in your other pics, you also have a basement made of cinder blocks. With the damage done to that corner, you have the potential for a LOT of water to enter your basement, not to mention any potential structural issues from that weak corner.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Isn't cinder block just a type of brick?

 

[Miramonti]

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
Ok I had forgot about this thread, here are pics of the damage:

http://gal.redsquirrel.me/?level=picture&id=412

That looks tougher to replace than just a couple in a cinder block wall because they appear to be weight bearing...in fact bearing quite a bit of weight. If it were me I'd get the advice from a pro first.

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
Isn't cinder block just a type of brick?

i thought cinderblocks were made from concrete and bricks from ceramic/clay. I thought the two have pretty different properties for buildings things.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
Get a masonry contractor to come look at the damage. From the looks of things in your other pics, you also have a basement made of cinder blocks. With the damage done to that corner, you have the potential for a LOT of water to enter your basement, not to mention any potential structural issues from that weak corner.

Yeah thankfully that's the worse damage right there, and there is quite a large overhang so even during all the rain we've had in past few days that has hardly gotten wet let alone have water go in.

Though, is it safe to just pour cement in those? I'd need to make sure there is nothing in there such as water already, maybe with a flashlight and small mirror or something. Any specific process I should use when pouring cement in such enclosed area? Want to ensure I don't get air pockets and what not. Should I throw in a rebar or is that kinda pointless if the bar is not really held in the ground? Technically I suppose me or a professional could fill in all of the blocks by drilling holes in each one all around the house, is that something to consider?

I can't afford to hire someone at this point but I want to eventually hire someone to fix all around my house as there is lot of surface damage and a few broken bricks (the top ones). Nothing major just aesthetic. So he could look at that as well if I don't end up fixing it myself.

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
Isn't cinder block just a type of brick?

They are both masonry building units...but that's about as close as they are to being the same.
Cinder blocks (AKA concrete building units) are usually about 8" x 8" x 16" with 1" thick sides and large openings in the center. This makes it easy to reinforce them with rebar and concrete. (also makes them more efficient insulators, but still should have something like styrofoam insulation applied to the inside.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_masonry_unit

From the cracks around the block wall and sidewalk, it looks like the foundation may have settled in that area. A good masonry contractor can tell you for sure. This may not be a quick & easy fix...

 

[Red Squirrel]

Originally posted by: BoomerD

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
Isn't cinder block just a type of brick?

They are both masonry building units...but that's about as close as they are to being the same.
Cinder blocks (AKA concrete building units) are usually about 8" x 8" x 16" with 1" thick sides and large openings in the center. This makes it easy to reinforce them with rebar and concrete. (also makes them more efficient insulators, but still should have something like styrofoam insulation applied to the inside.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_masonry_unit

From the cracks around the block wall and sidewalk, it looks like the foundation may have settled in that area. A good masonry contractor can tell you for sure. This may not be a quick & easy fix...

I've been told that at some point that side actually started to crumble (garage) as the crawlspace under the garage was completely enclosed and it would freeze up and crack. They ended up opening it, and not sure whether or not they had to rebuild the garage but my guess is yes since the brick is a different color. So you could be right, and hopefully this is damage done from the past, and now rectified by having that crawlspace opened up + heater added. Ever hear of this with an attached garage house? I never even realized garages had a crawlspace under until seeing it with this house.

 

[SunSamurai]

Originally posted by: BoomerD

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
Isn't cinder block just a type of brick?

They are both masonry building units...but that's about as close as they are to being the same.
Cinder blocks (AKA concrete building units) are usually about 8" x 8" x 16" with 1" thick sides and large openings in the center. This makes it easy to reinforce them with rebar and concrete. (also makes them more efficient insulators, but still should have something like styrofoam insulation applied to the inside.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_masonry_unit

From the cracks around the block wall and sidewalk, it looks like the foundation may have settled in that area. A good masonry contractor can tell you for sure. This may not be a quick & easy fix...

AFAIK alls you do is dig under the foundation in the area and full it with rock or solid steel pipes untill yo get a solid foundation to use a house-jack (like a carjack) and pump it up till youre level and then set it.

Just look at this last place that didnt fix their blox! http://blogs.wsj.com/chinajour...llapses-nearly-intact/

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: SunSamurai

AFAIK alls you do is dig under the foundation in the area and full it with rock or solid steel pipes untill yo get a solid foundation to use a house-jack (like a carjack) and pump it up till youre level and then set it.

Seriously though if you dont get that fixed this is going to happen!!! http://blogs.wsj.com/chinajour...llapses-nearly-intact/

There are quite a few ways to repair a sagging foundation, but none are "homeowner DIY."

Personally, I'd still get a contractor out to look at the damage and get an estimate for repair. That crumbling corner would worry me.

 

[seemingly random]

Originally posted by: BoomerD

Originally posted by: SunSamurai

AFAIK alls you do is dig under the foundation in the area and full it with rock or solid steel pipes untill yo get a solid foundation to use a house-jack (like a carjack) and pump it up till youre level and then set it.

Seriously though if you dont get that fixed this is going to happen!!! http://blogs.wsj.com/chinajour...llapses-nearly-intact/

There are quite a few ways to repair a sagging foundation, but none are "homeowner DIY."

Personally, I'd still get a contractor out to look at the damage and get an estimate for repair. That crumbling corner would worry me.

Might be able to get some money after suing the house inspector for incompetence. This could be used to pay for repairs. Of course, several estimates will be needed for the suit.

 

[Rastus]

Looks like pretty normal cracking to me. Just go to Home Depot and get some glue that is made to repair that kind of stuff and you'll be good to go.

 

[bonkers325]

is picture no. 2 at the corner as well?

if its at the corner, and there are no other visible signs of damage (water entry, mineral deposits along the walls, cracks) then it is probably nothing to worry about.