Replace bricks or render

[kevhill]

Just looking for some advice. We have damp that has penetrated through the brick work into the kitchen interior.
The bricks in the area where the damp is are spalled. We also have a crack that needs repair from historical subsidence.
Would it be more cost effective to repair/ replace bricks or to lime render or k rend?
Thanks

 

[malcolm]

Keeping water out is normally not the answer. The fix is letting water get out from the wall.

Originally a lime pointed wall would have done the trick and there would be no problem. The water gets out through the lime. I'll guess you have a wall repointed in cement. If so that'll be the issue - the wall will be soaking wet. Add more waterproofing and it'll get even more soaking wet.

Cut the cement pointing out and repoint in lime and you should be good. It'll dry the wall and get rid of the damp. If you want to lime render then get rid of the cement pointing first or it won't work.

 

[kevhill]

Keeping water out is normally not the answer. The fix is letting water get out from the wall.

Originally a lime pointed wall would have done the trick and there would be no problem. The water gets out through the lime. I'll guess you have a wall repointed in cement. If so that'll be the issue - the wall will be soaking wet. Add more waterproofing and it'll get even more soaking wet.

Cut the cement pointing out and repoint in lime and you should be good. It'll dry the wall and get rid of the damp. If you want to lime render then get rid of the cement pointing first or it won't work.

Thanks for this advice. This totally makes sense. I will get a quote to replace spalled bricks and repoint in lime.
It's been difficult far finding tradespeople who will work with lime.

 

[Lacan07]

Thanks for this advice. This totally makes sense. I will get a quote to replace spalled bricks and repoint in lime.
It's been difficult far finding tradespeople who will work with lime.

Generally you can just cut the bricks out and turn them around provided the other side hasn't spalled and is in good order, so don't let anyone quote you for replacement new bricks. You may need a few replacements which you can source yourself.

 

[kevhill]

Generally you can just cut the bricks out and turn them around provided the other side hasn't spalled and is in good order, so don't let anyone quote you for replacement new bricks. You may need a few replacements which you can source yourself.

Thinking about knocking the brick seating area down that you can see in the picture. Then use those bricks as they appear to be in decent condition

 

[Lacan07]

I take it the white on the bricks is paint and not salts?

 

[kevhill]

I take it the white on the bricks is paint and not salts?

Yes it appears to be a previous lime wash or paint. Definitely not salts