How to fix cracked bricks?

[otnimus1]

Hi community, my question isn't particularly related to garage but it happens that I'm replacing garage door.

I will get my garage door replaced and I just noticed that there are some cracks on the brick where the door is attached to. I hope the installer will make the right judgement on what to do but I would like to get your opinion for my own education.

As shown in the photo, there are some cracks on the bricks as marked in red. I know the bracket will be replaced but I don't know if any of existing hole will be used. Regardless the bolt will be attached on new hole or existing hole, do I need to do something about the cracks? If so, what should I do?

Would it do any good/difference if I patch/fill the hole with Ramset UltraFix? Or is there any other products that is more suitable for this? Thank you.

[JacobZ]

Hi @otnimus1,

The cracking through the mortar, combined with the broken bricks you can see behind the garage door's attachment bracket, implies there is some fairly significant movement happening here.

Ultimately, the brick isn't just supporting the garage door; it is holding up the roof, and this level of damage to a brick wall is a bit concerning.

I wouldn't be looking at a product to sure things up, I'd be contacting a bricklayer or builder with bricklaying experience, to have them replace the broken bricks and check that the mortar is still sound. 

Allow me to tag our knowledgeable members @Dave-1, @R4addZ and @Nailbag to see what they think.

Jacob

[otnimus1]

Thanks for tagging other members @JacobZ I would be keen to hear their opinions. My issue are the timing between the bricklayer to do their job and the garage door being installed, since the old door is currently still intact.

[AlanM52]

Hi @otnimus1,

I have laid thousands of bricks, mainly 6 hole wire cut.

Looking at that and noticing the top brick is cracked things 'may' still be OK?

The mortar joints are below par.

However... if you are getting a new roller door your concerns are warranted if another set of holes need to be drilled.

I have come across similar situations when helping others and I can't find the photos.

Off the web and a good example of what I have come across.

Please post photos further up so we can see the rest of the brickwork and why the top brick in your photo is cracked.

Cheers

[Nailbag]

Hi @otnimus1 

I wouldn’t have been too concerned if there weren’t cracked bricks. This tells me there is potential structural concerns. I would put the new door on hold until you have a domestic engineer check this as it could be a very early sign of something more serious. 

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @otnimus1 

That top brick that is at an angle is the one that concerns me, then factoring in the rest of the cracks tells me I wouldnt be having anything changed until I builder has looked at it. The mortar appears to be seperated on a whole bunch of bricks and the photo shows only a narrow section. I would have a closer look at the outlying bricks around the photo as well as the opposite side. 

The cracked bricks would probarrly be ok as is, that top lifted brick is the one that opens up the questions.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @otnimus1 

Just further thoughts on the cause especially after looking at the sample photo by @AlanM52. It is possible that a combination of a high-powered impact wrench, placement of the holes and quality of brick has caused the cracks. This would be confirmed if the external bricks in the same area are perfectly in tact. Be interested in @AlanM52 opinion on that.

If so, thats good new and still possible not all. Good news is that there is no structural issue thats caused the problem. But depending on how the replacement door is fastened, the area would need to be repaired with the door off. I would be sharing that info with the new garage installer based on Alan's response.

Nailbag

[AlanM52]

Hi @otnimus1,

@Nailbag has summarized everything and add to that the type of brick and if wire cut the hole count which typically ranges from 3 to 10 hole.

Even for experienced installers the whole thing is a bit hit-and-miss.

There should at least be a requirement that brickwork bracket holes must be centered on full bricks (brackets would be longer).

This is why I am asking for a photo further up so we can see what's happened up top.

Correction: Senior's moment I did 3 hole bricks.

[otnimus1]

Hi all, I am so grateful for all responses here. They are really informative and help me to understand the situation.

I attach more photos showing the top end of what shown on my previous photo and the outside brick. It looks to me the outside is fine. Please let me know if you have further thoughts/feedback after seeing these additional photos.

And btw, I have shown the photo to my garage installer and he said he would be able to work out something. But I will definitely discuss with him all the comments here.

Thanks again.

[R4addZ]

Hi @otnimus1 

Due to the fixings being so close to the edge of the brickwork, I would also ask the installer in advance, if it is possible to use chemical anchors in order to reduce the sideways force of the current style of anchor.