Spalled bricks

[markt]

Having removed some old furniture in my coal cellar I have unfortunately discovered some badly spalled bricks.

The cellar did get very wet during heavy rain which I'm assuming was because the level of the front path had been raised about an inch with tiles on top of the original stone. This had altered the angle of the path so that water flowed freely in through the grate under the step. Now that it has been lowered again I can't see where any water would be getting in.

So what's the best way to remedy this? Some of the bricks have gone almost to their entire depth, others just the faces.
I do have some spare old bricks I can use to replace them, but, if possible I'd prefer not to have to remove the ones that are only slightly damaged. Is there some sort of breathable sealant that I can put on them to prevent them getting any worse?

For the areas where bricks really do need to be replaced, how do I prevent the ones above from falling out?

btw, I'll be repointing this area at the same time. Any ideas where I might get some lime mortar in North London (N16, N1, N5 area)?

Sorry for all the questions. I don't really know what I'm doing here

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[middi]

That's not that bad Mark !, just rake out the old mortar with a narrow old chisel remove the spalled bricks ( one at the time !!!!) and replace it using lime mortar. If the odd brick falls out or gets displaced whilst removing a brick just remove it and reset it with new mortar.

I would not use any sealant on those bricks, yes, you will make the matter worse.

Lime wash the bricks to liven the place up which will also disguise the newly replaced bricks.

Make sure you use similar soft reds for the job.

 

[stuart45]

You can take out small areas of brickwork without too much trouble. A rule of thumb is 3 ft horizontally, but this depends on the type of mortar, condition of wall and bonding. A plugging chisel is the best to cut out the joints.

 

[DaveBrigg]

If this is your coal cellar, how important is it to remove these bricks? From the pictures there does not seem to be a structural issue at the moment. Middi's suggestion of limewash is a good idea; I have used it on external brickwork with patches like yours, and it has stabilised the spalled bricks while I get on with more urgent tasks.

 

[chuckey]

How about removing the very bad bricks and replacing them with the good surface outwards? (and flush!).
Frank

 

[Pford75]

We are currently in the process of applying for LBC for the overhaul of our front facade, which amongst other challenges includes a number of spalled bricks. During a site visit, our CO advised that rather than removing the bricks, we should effect repairs in lime mortar and then limewash the entire facade.

Since the bricks in your cellar are not causing any structural problems, I would be less inclined to remove/replace them. I would patch repair and then limewash as Middi suggests.

 

[markt]

Since the bricks in your cellar are not causing any structural problems, I would be less inclined to remove/replace them. I would patch repair and then limewash as Middi suggests.

Sounds great to me. Much easier at least.

Limewashing the area is a fantastic idea. Though it's only a coal cellar, I do store a lot of stuff down there. It would be much nicer all brightened-up.

Still need to find somewhere to get some lime though. Living in London, working all week, and not having a car can be tricky at times.

 

[MdB]

Still need to find somewhere to get some lime though. Living in London, working all week, and not having a car can be tricky at times.

If it was me, I would get a bag of hydrate from Jewsons or similar builders merchants (make sure it is a new bag and not one that has been hanging around - Our depo has new stock every 2 weeks which is fine). Lime wash is just putty/hydrate plus water to the consistency of milk, keep stirring bucket when applying (check other threads on this as I haven't actually used it myself).

You should also read this http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=11166 as to why I use hydrate and the pros do not to make your own decision.

 

[c r]

Hi

I sympathise- living in london without driving is a problem when it comes to obtaining the odd 25kilo bag of lime or sand...

Anyway, jewsons sell lime, as MdB said, and theyre open on sat, at least the one over in stratford is... cant think of any in your area though. best to ring them- but I think they do also sell Hydraulic lime, as well as Hydrate.

Theres a builders merchants (not open at weekend though) on fairbridge road N19, they sell bagged lime hydrate, from which you could make your own lime putty, and limewash. Ive transported a bag from there on a little £5 fold up trolley on the bus before...great fun

goodluck

 

[MdB]

I think I would stay clear of any NHL you found in Jewsons unless you knew exactly how old it was. Our local branch could get it in but it didn't sound like something they did regularly. Hydrate they got in by the pallet frequently so I was happy it was fresh.