Brick veneer cracking question

[redbridge]

I have a story and a half house with a walkout basement. Looking at the back of the house I have french doors with windows on each side (located in the center of the house) on the main level and on the basement level with the main level doors directly over the basement doors. The house is 60' long and it is straight across. There is a crack (1/8 th) from the one of the window sills (right side) to the upper right lintel on the basement level window. The crack doesn't go down to the foundation. I am thinking that I need a control joint here. Is there a way to add a control joint or what is the best way to repair this?

 

[DaveAtkins]

I think you are right, but what is needed is an EXPANSION joint, because brick expands. I would put expansion joints on both sides of the french doors the full height of the house. You may also need additional expansion joints, depending on temperature swings.

DaveAtkins

 

[redbridge]

How exactly do you add an expansion joint to existing brick. Is this something any mason could do?

 

[csd72]

Just check that the lintels can support the load as a udl and are not relying on arching action.

Cutting joints in the brickwork removes any arching capacity.

 

[BSE05]

There are companies that routinely do this type of work look for architects (or rehabilitation companies) that specialize in envelope repair, moisture intrusion, etc.

You need a control joint cut top to bottom in your brickwork and caulked. These should be about every 30 feet or so.

This is not an uncommon problem.