Problem with Brick Veneer

[tnhouse]

HI, I am having issues with my new house. I have just noticed that one side of brick veneer is not straight and have a 8-9 feet long horizontal bump. It is very clear under sunshine. Can you experts tell what could have caused it? Thanks a million in advance.

tnhouse

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[kurt]

The first thing that leaps to mind is someone left out wall ties.

[tnhouse]

Thank you Kurt for the quick reply! If that's the case, anything can be done to fix from construction pointview? Underneath (outside) the wall are the garage and parking lot where kids usually play. I am afraid the veneer could collapse someday which could hurt kids (mine or my neighbor's). Thanks!

[kurt]

Yes, brick can fall off buildings, in ways that can surprise (and injure).

Repair means taking out the bulging bricks and seeing what's going on. When new brick is installed, wall ties should secure it to the building structure. You have to work in sections, but yes, brick can be taken down and replaced.

[AHI in AR]

I've seen similar results from laying too many courses without time to let the mortar set up and stiffen a bit, causing the wall to slump. Some brick types are relatively less porous and prone to this, particularly when laid in cold weather.

[tnhouse]

Here is one more picture of the brick veneer.

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[tnhouse]

Thank you Kevin! Yes, the veneer was laid in winter time, pretty cold weather in our area.

[mgbinspect]

The shadows in the window openings create a bit of an optical illusion, making it appear more extreme than it is.

When you inspect the surface of the brickwork closely, if no bed (horizontal) joints are open (gap) or cracked (hairline), then, unfortunately, that is the way the brick veneer was installed, and it probably reflects an attempt to get past framing that was not plumb.

If there are no cracks or gaps and the veneer seems to be solid, then nothing needs to be done. It's cosmetic.

If, however, there are horizontal cracks and the veneer seems loose and unstable. Repairs are needed asap.

I was a journeyman mason, before getting into general contracting and inspections.

Hope this helps.

[tnhouse]

Much thanks to all of you!!! This is a great forum. I will have an inspector to take a close look at it.

[Ben H]

Give Scott a shout. He may work in your area. http://www.traceinspections.com/ Scott Patterson

[ghentjr]

If this is a thin brick that is held in a preformed insulation panel, then the panel, not the brick may be at fault. Some closeups of the area would help.