…… Brick repair

[SIRR1]

Hey TB2K I have a question.

The last round of earth quakes here in Illinois did a little damage to my building at work and I need a little repair help.

The building is a 2 story reinforced brick building that is 18 years old.

I have minor cracking in the mortor and the bricks.

All of the cracks are hairline and start at ground level and stop 3 or 4 feet from the start.

I feel that I need to address the cracks to keep moisture out to prevent further damage from happening from freezing and thawing.

What do I use to fill these hairline cracks?

Silcone Caulk?

Epoxy Glue?

Thompson water sealer?

Any suggestion would be a great assistance!

Thanks in advance

SIRR1

 

[Gonecrabbin]

Hey TB2K I have a question.

The last round of earth quakes here in Illinois did a little damage to my building at work and I need a little repair help.

The building is a 2 story reinforced brick building that is 18 years old.

I have minor cracking in the mortor and the bricks.

All of the cracks are hairline and start at ground level and stop 3 or 4 feet from the start.

I feel that I need to address the cracks to keep moisture out to prevent further damage from happening from freezing and thawing.

What do I use to fill these hairline cracks?

Silcone Caulk?

Epoxy Glue?

Thompson water sealer?

Any suggestion would be a great assistance!

Thanks in advance

SIRR1

You are going to have to remove the mortar where cracked and replace it.

 

[RCSAR]

I agree

You are going to have to remove the mortar where cracked and replace it.

 

[The Freeholder]

You might have luck with a latex concrete sealer. Comes in tubes. I've used it in my basement and it's still holding after 2 years.

 

[SIRR1]

Thanks for the help everyone!

Here are 2 photos of some of the damage.

Pretty much around the building I have cracks like you see in these 2 pictures.

We do have EQ insurance so making a claim and have a mason repair the damage is an option.

I was just wondering what you all think about the damage.

Is it to minor to repair?

Do you think an epoxy injection would fill and seal the cracks.

I realize it is hard to match the mortar and bricks for a repair.

I am just worried the building would "looked repaired" if I actually had the tuckpointing done.

This is a 7.5 million dollar building and I need some advise on how to proceed, because this is my call and I am worried about making the wrong decision.

I have seen bad tuckpointing and when done wrong it looks terrible and that is what I am worried about...

I just hate to do nothing and have the problem get worse.

Thanks again!

SIRR1

 

[FireDance]

I would call some brick masons and get estimates and also just see what they say about the damage. There may be more to it than what you're seeing.

 

[changed]

The cracks are too narrow to inject mortar or Quickrete. Masons are gonna be expensive. If insurance will cover it have them do it. If not, its not that hard to chisel the bricks out yourself and mortar new ones back in.

 

[The Freeholder]

OK, now that I've seen pics my previous suggestion is withdrawn. Call in the pros and let the insurance handle this.