How do I stop bricks crumbling on an outside wall?

[Dinky]

I have a few crumbling bricks half way up a small wall I was wondering if I could paint something on the wall to stabalize the few that are crumbling and stop any others doing the same.

[EricL]

Hello @Dinky 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your brick wall.

Would it be possible for you to post a few photos of the crumbling section you are referring to? Once our members see the condition of the bricks; they will be able to assess it and make recommendations on possible repair solutions. At the moment I advise holding off on painting the surface until we see the damage.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dinky]

[EricL]

Hello @Dinky 

Thank you for sharing those photos of your brick wall. Upon closer inspection it appears that the bricks have indeed crumbled and deteriorated. It looks like a mortar patch was attempted at some point but was not done comprehensively. There must be a reason why the bricks have crumbled in such a manner, I'm in agreement that the brick wall must be repaired, however, in the interest of health and safety, I recommend engaging the services of a professional brick laying specialist or builder and having the damage assessed. They might be able to recommend a safe and cost-effective solution that will address the crumbling effect happening to the bricks. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Looks more like the mortar is falling apart @Dinky from a dodgy patch job with a mix of good, cracked and broken bricks.

Best thing would be to follow @EricL advice and get them removed and new ones refitted by a Brickie.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Dinky 

Another vote towards a brickie trade repairing the area. It does look like a not so succesful repair, the cracked bricks you can see is why I am suggesting a trade approach over a handyperson one. If they were cracked on install, no issue, if they have cracked due to strain then that could point to a larger issue so to be safe I would use someone who knows what is happening.

As a side note I am thinking towards a really dodgy job causing the issue but better to be safe then pull out hair down the track.

Dave

[Jason]

Hi @Dinky,

I trust you have found the advice you have received so far very helpful.

One thing I thought might be helpful to members for clarification is where is the pool pump you mentioned? Is there evidence of water ingress on the other side of this wall?

Jason

[Dinky]

HI Jason

The wall is one side of a shed covering a pool pump  chlorinator and motor. I think it would be better to have the whole area replaced with possibly a small aluminum shed, I cant see a bricklayer coming out just to fix a few bricks. The current structure would be at least 25 years old.

I thought the idea of painting some sort of sealer might be sufficient in hindsight I don't think that would work

Thank You all for your suggestions and ideas.

[Jason]

Thanks for the clarification @Dinky.

We have a guide How to build a pool pump cover if you are considering replacement.  

Jason

[Dinky]

Thank you for the advice on how to build a pool cover but I think at 80 years old and on my own I am a bit past building anything, Thanks anyway for you help