How do you secure an older lattice brick wall?
by
Erica
+10
We bought a home built in the late 50s. We adore the lattice brick wall on the two sides of the house but a brick mason said they needed to come down. How can we repair them to save them?
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Hi Erica
Are they unsteady and wobbly and possibly about to fall?
Everything I am finding says if it is in need of repair it should be taken down and rebuilt.
Here is more info
https://www.houzz.com/photos/lattice-brick-wall-phbr0lbl-bl~l_69534
http://diy-masonry.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-build-brick-lattice-fence_28.html
The brick mason is giving you the best advice. Did you ask him if there was anything you could do to save them at least temporarily? If you aren't happy with one person's advice ask another brick mason. Sometimes there are varying opinions and you will be asking experts.
Maybe the bricks can be saved and the wall rebuilt.
The brick mason has likely given you his best advice. Have you tried a second opinion or asked him if anything can be done to save the wall?
Best way is to remove them carefully. Rebuild them by adding a new frame around them on both sides. They also sell wood boards with a groove specifically made for framing lattice
Of it is a walk like this, I would think it could be rebuilt.
https://www.houzz.com/photos/private-courtyard-sanctuary-farmhouse-exterior-raleigh-phvw-vp~5766699
Lattice brick walls are beautiful. If built properly they can last years. There are examples of these household walls all over the country. I would check with another brick mason and find out exactly why he thinks it’s unstable.
Frost heave can cause the foundation to be unstable causing the wall to lean. Morter can come loose and may need a new bonding course along the top. Wings and support can be added to the sides or the wall might to be lowered by a course.
A qualified brick mason should be able to explain exactly what is wrong, not just that it needs to be replaced. Particularly since he says both walls need to be need to come down.
After owning a house with brick walls and chimney-built in 1950, we sadly learned that bricks do not last forever. They get exposed to weather which lets in water, the freeze thaw cycle really does damage which compromises them over time. We also learned there are coatings that can be applied to seal them, it was too late. We ended up removing the chimney above the roof and put shingles over the area.
For your brick lattice, it sounds like the advice you were given is reasonable, take it down and rebuild if you want to. Something must be degrading enough to make the lattice unsteady and have a potential for danger.
Maybe get a second opinion, but I'd be considering the person's advice, though it isn't what you want to hear.
Hi,
I agree with previous comments : Second opinion and listen to Tradesmans advice. Ask for prices to reinstate as is. Get prices from 3 Bricklayers before deciding. If the walls are in danger of falling down, the only thing I can think of is
to put up a wire fence full height both sides of wall to secure them for a bit longer, and to stop them falling and causing damage.
As a former mason's wife, I woulld listen to him but you could ask the price to save them - probably adding some anchors and repointing them.
Hire a brick mason if you have no experience.
I'd ask the brick mason.
Hello,
Call in one or two other Bricklayers and ask them what can be done to save the walls. If they both say they need to be rebuilt as cannot be fixed, then ask costs and make a judgement two either have them re-built now or wait until they fall down before you do it.
NB. If the walls do any damage to persons or property when they fall, it will be you they will claim against for damage!