Concerns over “crumbling” bricks?

[Lloydy1975]

There’s a property I viewed that has a lot of potential with some TLC, but what concerns me is this row of bricks near the base of the house where the drainage system for the gutters ends. There appears to be some “crumbling”? And damp to this area of the lower wall, is thus a concern?

I’m really a novice when it comes to understanding brickwork and period houses and support and guidance is much appreciated from anyone and everyone.

All the best,
Lloyd

 

[stuart45]

That's quite a simple fix. Bricks often spall and break up when damp in a freeze/thaw situation. Replace the defective bricks (pre war commons) and make sure the gully is working properly.

 

[Lloydy1975]

Thank you so much Stuart, that’s very helpful and reassuring.
All the best!

 

[Kearn]

That chunk of cement pointing has likely caused the isolated spalling, the rest of the wall appears to still be lime. Gully may be overflowing, but I’d also blame the spillage from the tap above…

 

[Lloydy1975]

To extend to the advice already given, does this problem look like a costly repair?
I’m interested in making an offer for the house. But this is a big worry and there seem to be a lot of spalling? Bricks.

Is this a sign of a more serious issue?

 

[Lacan07]

Rainwater is hitting the concrete floor and splashing back on to the brick causing dampness which in the coldest weather causes 'freeze thaw' and blows the bricks. You might want to cut a gully along the house removing the concrete and replacing with shingle. This will also help with the mortar repairs. And others have already said I would check the drain / gully is working properly, you could even replace it with the appropriate modern alternative if feeling flush.

 

[Flyfisher]

I agree about rainwater splashing - the concrete against the house is certainly doing the wall no favours - but my eye is also drawn to the greening around the gully, which suggests to me that this whole corner is very wet/damp indeed, after which freeze/thaw will do the damage as described.

I'd be very suspicious of that gully overflowing and/or splashing back when those pipes are in full flow, adding to the general water in the corner area. Also, the brickwork/render around the drain will prevent surface water flowing into the drain and causing puddles to accumulate in the general area, all of which could be creating a very wet 'micro-climate' in that area.

I'd be inclined to remodel that whole drain/gulley, get the pipes discharging into the drain such that there is no splashing or overflowing and remove the bricks surrounding the drain so that surface water can also freely drain away. The aim being to create a drier 'micro-climate' and therefore minimise any freeze/thaw problems on the brickwork - which does appear to be fairly localised.