Spalling Brickwork All manner of questions and solutions to problems and issues surrounding the subject of brickwork, blockwork and stonework

[pb55]

I have a 5 year old extension and over the last two winters have a couple of bricks which are spalling - in addition the mortar is crumbling. I do have very poor drainage but didn't expect there to be spalling 5 years after the extension was built - do you think this is as a result of poor bricks and I only need to replace a few or will I need to sort out the drainage? :?

[Perry525]

The damage to the bricks is due to wet or damp bricks freezing and the ice forming inside and blowing the surface off.

The bricks are not good enough for the job they are expected to do.
Over time the whole lot will just crumble, unless it is treated.

You need to check the damp proof course, its continuity and its height above ground level, to eliminate the chance of rising damp, and check any pipes and gutters that may shed water onto the wall.

If it is just rain and freezing weather, best bet is to cover the wall, or paint it with a silicone paint that will cause the rain to run off rather than soak in.