Q: You have written about spalling or flaking bricks and why they’re that way. You said a cap of stone, wood or metal is needed to keep rain and snow out. Would you please explain what kind of cap you ...

Q. This week: The brick chimney on our 1930's era house looks like it needs repair. From the ground I can see cracks in the bricks, and some of the cement and pieces of the bricks have come off and ...

Q: I have a brick wall around my patio and I’m noticing the bricks are starting to fall apart. At first there was a white powder on the face of the bricks and then the bricks started to flake apart.

Q. We have had a persistent leak in the ceiling by our fireplace. I read in your column that a saddle or a cricket behind the chimney would help this. We had a new saddle installed but have found that ...

One of the pleasures of walking Brooklyn’s streets is seeing the glorious brickwork in all its many hues, shapes, textures and patterns. Here, a brief history of brick in the borough of homes and ...

Q: You have written about spalling or flaking bricks and why they're that way. You said a cap of stone, wood or metal is needed to keep rain and snow out. Would you please explain what kind of cap you ...

Q. Some bricks on the front of my home are deteriorating; I have no idea if it is an animal causing it or what. Any remedy or repair you could recommend? A. Brick is porous, and the older it gets, the ...