Originally Posted By: psmothers This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
This was on a chimney of a late 50’s home. The chimney had some through the brick cracking. It looks like from the original pour there was never anything under the brick. I guess it was built like this.
I am trying to think of how I will state this problem. Any ideas???
I was going to state lack of brick ledge and differ it to a SE.
-- Foxe Smothers
"Its not a matter of will we rebuilt it is matter of how soon..."
"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Originally Posted By: rmoewe This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Peter,
Masonry is self-supportive when cured. Is it proper? NO. It actually took a good mason to lay the first course like that.
The picture that Gerry put up proves that masonry is actually self-supportive with proper wall ties. Looks like the builder missed the flashing for the weep holes and had to reinstall it. 
Originally Posted By: jonofrey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
This picture shows a situation that has been in place for 55 years with no significant structural issues. Although the foundation should have been built to support the designed load, after 55 years, how can you say that this foundation is not functioning as intended?
No P.E. needed here. I would just mention the brick ledge does not appear to be supportting 100% of the brick width and go on to say that it looks like it's done okay for 55 years.
If your brick cracks are hairline, wouldn't they be typical for a structure of this age?
Originally Posted By: jonofrey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
The crack in the brick veneer appears to be no wider than 1/16 of an inch at it’s widest point. No evidence of deflection or shearing. The crack looks typical for a structure of this age. The crack is most likely a result of stress due to repeated seasonal changes.
If you call out for a structural engineer every time you see this on the gulf coast, you'll possibly be tarred and feathered, run out on a rail or given a Texas tittie twister. Unless there are other issues with the structure that tie into this observation.
Just trying to spur on a little conversation. Don't get yer panties in a wad.
Originally Posted By: rmoewe This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
[quote=“jonofrey”]The crack looks typical for a structure of this age. The crack is most likely a result of stress due to repeated seasonal changes.
quote]
Looks typical on any brick veneer, regardless of age. This is a minor crack that you should recommend they seal and nothing else (it has lasted for 55 years). 
Originally Posted By: psmothers This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks for the advice gents. No panties in wads over here.
The chimney was also missing its cricket and was separating, peeling away, from the top house. I did not mention that originally since I was commenting on the chimney foundation, or lack there of. I did recommend a SE because of the combination of problems. The separation at the top of the chimney between it and the house was opened up to 1/4 inch.
Do you guys still think I was wrong to call out the SE? I rarely do and would like to avoid any of those "Texas tittie twisters" John pointed out.
-- Foxe Smothers
"Its not a matter of will we rebuilt it is matter of how soon..."
"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
) to an SE.
