On 5/23/2011 9:49 PM, leza wang wrote:
Hi, my house front wall is made from faux brick (not real bricks).
They are falling off now and I have to fix them. Today a guy who does
brick work told me that there is a problem that the depth is around 4
inch and that is barely hold the bricks but he said it is doable and
in worse case scenario he would installed (I can not remember the term
he used) but something to hold these bricks which is made from steel
and he will make holes in foundation to hold that steel thing.

The brick guy also told me I have another option is to install a
stucco (cost the same price almost). He mentioned in both cases he has
to remove what is on the wall now and then he might take the plywood
off too if he found them they are in bad conditions.

My questions for you:

1) is it good idea to install bricks in this case or I should go with
stucco?
2) About the stucco, do they usually remove everything from the wall
and then out the stucco or they can put the stucco on the faux brick?
3) Can I remove the faux bricks by myself (I can do the physical work
with help of friends but I have no any experience whatsoever, can an
average person do that)?

Thanks a lot for your help in advance.

If your faux brick is failing, you need to get it all off down to the
sheathing, since there is likely water damage. Never apply a new surface
over failing material. As to what can get put back, it depends on how
your house was built, and if there is a foundation lip to hold veneer
brickwork. Almost impossible to say without seeing it.

I wouldn't go by what 'a guy who does brickwork' says. For a job like
this, you want a licensed bonded contractor, and to get bids from at
least 3 of them. Make sure they are all bidding on the same thing, not
what their idea of what they want to sell you is.

Yes, you probably can do some of the demolition yourself, and save some
money, depending on the contractor and their schedule. But be aware,
even faux brick is heavy and expensive to have hauled away. You will
also need a permit in most areas, and may have problems if your friends
get discouraged and quit showing up. Your contractor may not be
willing/able to wait for you, and move on to another project. I'd read
up on how walls are built and waterproofed before you start. Any of the
DIY books or web sites has pictures that explain it better than words
do. Short version- the outer masonry skin is not the water barrier- the
tar paper or tyvek underneath is. As you do the demo, you will need to
patch any rotted sheathing/framing, and install a suitable water
barrier, and flashing or waterproof membrane in appropriate areas.

Most contractors give free initial estimates, if they think you are
seriously looking. I'm not a fan of stucco overlays on old work- any
leaks (like around windows) and the wall gets wet and stays wet. If I
couldn't afford proper brick or faux brick, I'd be inclined to strip the
wall and build back with siding. Unless the siding on the rest of the
house is real weird, it should be possible to match it close enough.

--
aem sends...