Fao The Builder

[maggiebee]

I have some spalling on the lower brickwork of my semi-detached house. Is there any way I can repair this without going to the expense of renewing the bricks? House is old and I don't think you can buy the size of bricks I would need "off the shelf". Thought about cementing over/painting over but not sure how successful that would be. Advice appreciated.

[The Builder]

Maggie...
No, I don't think there is anything you can do with spalling.
Sometimes, if a chunk splits off, it can be glued back on with waterproof PVA glue. But I guess this is in several places, so I doubt if you have all the bits.
As for the size, you could get bricks from a reclamation yard, but the chances of getting a match are remote.
You may be lucky in that you could have a brick that is common to your area. In which case they might have yours from a nearby demolition. The best way is to cut out a brick and take it along for a match.
Maybe a photo might help, rather than removing a brick. Could be worth a shot.

Yes, it can be overpainted or rendered. Painted brickwork is a personal choice. I love it, but then, I'm not a fan of face-brickwork at all, unless it's a chunky old-style brick.
If you want to paint, then just fill the spalled bits, and put on ordinary masonry paint. I think it looks great, but that maybe just me.

Rendering brickwork needs more care than rendering concrete blocks. It's a matter of adhesion. Bunging it on directly will inevitably result in the render losing adhesion and coming off in chunks.
The old-school way is to roughcast the area first. (Either a "hand scat", or using a roughcast machine. It's a handheld plastic receptacle for the mix, operated by a hurdy-gurdy type handle on the side.)
Roughcast always adheres better, and gives the render something to hang on to. Then, paint with PVA, render over, and paint. Preferably two coats in order to hide the brickwork coursing lines that would show through.

Let us know if you plan to render. There are a couple of things that I could mention to make a rendered panel look more presentable.

[maggiebee]

Thanks so much for that detailed answer. If I were to choose to paint with masonry paint, what would I use to "fill in" the spalled parts?

[The Builder]

I would go for a ready-mixed exterior filler, Maggie.
This is a good one...............

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Sandtex-Ready-Mixed-Masonry-Filler---500g/p/137607?utm_source=google&scid=scplp137607&sc_intid=137607&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuO3OnKuC7AIViM_tCh0ZZwWKEAQYBSABEgJ4HvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

If you can't find it, there are many other brands. Just make sure it's "exterior".
Just make sure you carve out the "joints" in the brickwork after you've put it on. Sorry if that sounds obvious, but I've seen people just smear it all over ;o)

[maggiebee]

Thanks a million. Will let you know how I get on.

[alavahalf]

"It's a handheld plastic receptacle for the mix, operated by a hurdy-gurdy type handle on the side"

The words were on the tip of your tongue ..
'Tyrolean Flicker' perhaps ? .. 8-)