Re-bricking an entire house is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning, execution, and attention to detail. Whether you’re looking to restore a historic home, repair damaged brickwork, or simply give your property a fresh new look, this guide will walk you through the process of re-bricking an entire house.
Assessing the Existing Brickwork
Before starting the re-bricking process, it’s essential to assess the condition of the existing brickwork. Inspect the walls for:
- Damaged or cracked bricks: Identify areas where bricks are damaged, cracked, or broken.
- Loose or missing mortar: Check for gaps or voids in the mortar between bricks.
- Structural integrity: Verify that the existing brickwork is structurally sound and can support the weight of new bricks.
Deciding Whether to Remove or Overlay
Once you’ve assessed the existing brickwork, you’ll need to decide whether to remove the old bricks or lay new bricks over the existing ones. Consider the following factors:
- Condition of the existing brickwork: If the existing brickwork is severely damaged or deteriorated, it may be necessary to remove it entirely.
- Cost and time constraints: Overlaying new bricks over existing ones can be faster and more cost-effective, but may not provide the same level of structural integrity as removing and re-laying.
- Aesthetic considerations: If you’re looking to achieve a specific architectural style or appearance, removing the existing brickwork may be necessary.
Removing the Existing Brickwork
If you decide to remove the existing brickwork, follow these steps:
- Protect surrounding areas: Cover adjacent surfaces, including windows, doors, and landscaping, to prevent damage from debris.
- Remove mortar and bricks: Use a combination of hand tools and power equipment to carefully remove the mortar and bricks.
- Dispose of debris: Properly dispose of the removed brickwork and debris.
Laying New Bricks
Once the existing brickwork has been removed or prepared for overlaying, begin laying new bricks:
- Prepare the surface: Ensure the surface is level, clean, and dry.
- Apply mortar: Spread a layer of mortar onto the surface, using a notched trowel.
- Lay new bricks: Begin laying new bricks, using a level to ensure they’re properly aligned.
- Point and finish: Use a pointing trowel to fill gaps between bricks and finish the surface.
Overlaying New Bricks
If you decide to overlay new bricks over existing ones, follow these steps:
- Clean and prepare the surface: Ensure the existing brickwork is clean, dry, and free of debris.
- Apply a bonding agent: Apply a bonding agent to the existing brickwork to create a strong bond between the old and new bricks.
- Lay new bricks: Begin laying new bricks, using a level to ensure they’re properly aligned.
- Point and finish: Use a pointing trowel to fill gaps between bricks and finish the surface.
Conclusion
Re-bricking an entire house is a complex process that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of bricklaying techniques. Whether you decide to remove the existing brickwork or overlay new bricks, following these steps will help ensure a successful and long-lasting result.
