UK Brickwork Response provides emergency bricklayers when contractors vanish. Cavity walls to BS 5628 (50-75mm cavity, wall ties every 900mm), matching mortar color (M4 1:1:6 mix). We build to DPC, first floor, gable—whatever's needed before inspection.
Site Tuesday. Three courses per day typical. Wall complete by Friday.
Standard UK construction: outer leaf brick (102.5mm), 50-75mm cavity, inner leaf block (100mm). Wall ties every 900mm horizontal, 450mm vertical (Type 1 stainless steel). DPC tray at openings. Weep vents every 900mm. M4 mortar (1:1:6 cement:lime:sand) for bricks, M6 for blocks. Rate: 60-80 bricks per bricklayer per hour. Cost: £35-50/m² including materials.
Old mortar crumbling (50+ year old buildings). We rake out joints to 15-20mm depth, repoint with matching mortar (lime mortar for pre-1919 buildings—cement kills old bricks). Match existing pointing style: flush, bucket handle, weathered. Small area (10m²): £200-400. Full house frontage: £1500-3000. Takes 3-5 days including drying time. Scaffolding extra (£400-800).
Rising damp because DPC failed/missing. Drill holes every 100-150mm along mortar joint, inject silicone/cream DPC. Creates waterproof barrier. Old plaster must be removed 1m above damp line (salts contaminate). Cost: £40-60/linear meter. Typical house (30m perimeter): £1200-1800. Guarantee: 20-30 years. Work to BS 6576. Alternative: physical DPC (slot cut in wall, membrane inserted—more invasive, £80-120/m).
Stepped cracks in walls (subsidence, tree roots, poor foundations). Cut slots along crack line, insert helical stainless steel bars, bond with resin, repoint. Stabilizes crack—prevents further movement. Cost: £150-300 per crack (depending on length). NOT a fix for active subsidence (need underpinning). Good for historical movement that's now stable. Building Control may require structural engineer report first.
Putting window/door in existing wall. Need lintel to support brickwork above. Steel lintel (typical: 150mm longer each side than opening). We cut out bricks, install Acrow props, slide lintel in, build up brickwork, remove props after 24 hours. Cost: £300-600 per opening (single-storey), £600-1200 (two-storey). Building Control notification required (structural alteration).
Leaning chimney stack (frost damage, old mortar). Dangerous—can collapse in high winds. We scaffold up, dismantle unsafe section, rebuild with matching bricks, fit lead flashing, install chimney pot. Cost: £2000-4000 depending on height and access. Some chimneys cheaper to remove entirely (£800-1500 takedown + make-good roof). Check if chimney in use—flue liner required if functional.