Brick veneer lintel

[Bob Elliott]

Final thought is that the moisture barrier does not cover the ends and is causing the mortar gaping along with the rust at the lintel area.

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

so any suggestions? or am I being over concerned here.

The question is the lintel installed right.

My opinion no. No 4" overlay on to joining wall.

Recommend: A licensed Mason.
I being over concerned here.
Yes.

[Bob Elliott]

Robert ,thanks for the help but i think this is settled.read comments above you and here is my report commentary.

Lintel area above balcony entrance /window frame has mortar cracks at the soldier bricks and lintel does not enter 4 inches into surrounding brick however may be supported by another method unseen.
Recommend Mason examine this area and make repairs if needed.

Flashing may be short and allowing Water Intrusion .

[Barry Adair]

i'd mention the corrosion also...ymmv

The presence of corrosion at any metal surfaces is not only an aesthetic detractor but will eventually compromise its proper function and structural integrity. Therefore, periodic cleaning and clearing of all surface corrosion and repainting is required and advised too avoid failure before it occurs. Unsupported masonry failure from elevations is a known safety hazard.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by badair

i'd mention the corrosion also...ymmv

The presence of corrosion at any metal surfaces is not only an aesthetic detractor but will eventually compromise its proper function and structural integrity. Therefore, periodic cleaning and clearing of all surface corrosion and repainting is required and advised too avoid failure before it occurs. Unsupported masonry failure from elevations is a known safety hazard.

The lintel is rusting from the short flashing Barry however I decided to simply allow the Mason to address it as he no doubt will.

Not a fan of the method they apparently used as you can see the mortar is cracked emanating from the bottom where the water is entering/leaving and no doubt wicking up.

Basically the mortar has no bottom support at the soldier brick/lintel sides. (interesting)

Goes without saying here that it should always be primed and painted however I suspect as this is bank owned at the moment since the developer left that a proper study may be a ways off.

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

Originally Posted by belliott

Robert ,thanks for the help but i think this is settled.read comments above you and here is my report commentary.

Lintel area above balcony entrance /window frame has mortar cracks at the soldier bricks and lintel does not enter 4 inches into surrounding brick however may be supported by another method unseen.
Recommend Mason examine this area and make repairs if needed.

Flashing may be short and allowing Water Intrusion .

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

Originally Posted by belliott

The lintel is rusting from the short flashing Barry however I decided to simply allow the Mason to address it as he no doubt will.

Not a fan of the method they apparently used as you can see the mortar is cracked emanating from the bottom where the water is entering/leaving and no doubt wicking up.

Basically the mortar has no bottom support at the soldier brick/lintel sides. (interesting)

Goes without saying here that it should always be primed and painted however I suspect as this is bank owned at the moment since the developer left that a proper study may be a ways off.

Several problems going on.
Suspect; Defect or deficiency: Improper lentil installation. No or improper window flashing in window component.
Weather infiltration is evident.
#1: Rusting in lintels material.
#2: Cracking and separation of the soldier brick masonry leading face joints. At the header course intersection and main wall field. Both sides.
Apparent movement in the header soldier course.
#3: No vent or weeping holes in the header course of bricks on the lintel.
Architectural plains would tell you if they were called for.
Recommend; A licensed mason with relevant background experience.
Possible; present and future Concerns if left unchecked and not repaired.
Further weather infiltration.
Further Brick veneer component movement possibly leading to
higher levels of humidity and moisture allowing advanced degrading of components within surrounding structure, systems and materials within components. Possible air quality concerns.


What do you think of the narrative anyone?
What changes please, if any.
Thanks.

Suggestion BOB.
Use higher resolution camera. I mistook the turnbuckles lines for expansion joints. ( yes I was tired )
If possible, take photos from farther back, and a wider angle if you are up close. Include the full component.
Extended or enlarge the circumference of the component ( window by 2 to 4' feet.)


What did you take the photo with?
Snip this photo. ( Lintel and brick veneer )
Taken 100' plus feet away.
Tell me what you think.
Attachment 47199

[KEVIN WOOD]

Someone didn't know what they were doing!
Are you wanting to start a new dicussion.

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

Originally Posted by badair

i'd mention the corrosion also...ymmv

The presence of corrosion at any metal surfaces is not only an aesthetic detractor but will eventually compromise its proper function and structural integrity. Therefore, periodic cleaning and clearing of all surface corrosion and repainting is required and advised too avoid failure before it occurs. Unsupported masonry failure from elevations is a known safety hazard.

True.
Just my 2 cents.
No rust no problems in lintels.
Deflection is a sign of bond failure.
Rust is a sign of weather infiltration inside the walls cavity.
Compromise from erosion ( rust ) in lintels is extremely thin to none in residential units.
I have never seen a lintel fail from erosion.

In a brick field ---The load is spread between the brick bond and the brick ties to the structure.
The only time I have seen problems in lintels and load are in long voids ( openings ) in a walls field.
Most problems can be instantly observed and the proper maintenance applied when you see the first signs of corrosion, rust.
When you see rust on a lintel, several problems are manifesting.
All of them from weather infiltration.
Expansion and contraction from weather and temperature changes.
Brick absorbing moisture from the back.
Not the face. Its water resistance is the highest.
Rust on lintel equates to weather infiltration.
60 year old home. No rust, no paint. brick field fine and raker joints to boot. Worst joint besides extruded for Montreal Quebec
Attachment 47299


The lintel is a precautionary measure only.
It has 2 purposes.
1.) holds the load of brick, stone, building material being used as the building goes up.
When everything has cured or anchored.
2.) Compromised field.
Stop objects from falling, stabilize a field.
Look at the arched solder header in the opening for a window.
Attachment 47296

Attachment 47297
Below. 1 course header made of brick.
Attachment 47298
Northern or right window has been repaired. Look at the movement from the load.
Double wythe wall..
A century home with original brick in good shape.
Not today.
Pay attention to rusting. It tells you loads of information and is useful for your report.
In my opinion remember. I will look for fact..
Serpentine cracking. Spreading in or outwards from the corners.
Worse, inwards to create a pyramid shape.
Dead load of brick on the lintel.
Brick weights up to 5 -6 LBS+.
7 Ontario size bricks in a SQ foot. Do the math.