Defect Atlas — Brickwork & Masonry Units

General loss of the original fired face of the brick across an area of the unit.

Rounded, recessed or roughened face; loss of original tooling, texture or sharpness compared with adjacent units.

Weathering exposure, retention of moisture and the original quality of the fired skin can be associated.

• extent across the unit and across the elevation
• depth of loss relative to the original face where measurable
• orientation and exposure of the affected area
• whether sound units survive in sheltered locations nearby

“Surface erosion was recorded on bricks across the lower three courses of the south-west elevation, with the original fired face lost to a depth of approximately 3–5 mm.”

Rounding or loss of the sharp edges of bricks at their corners and exposed angles.

Softened or chamfered edges, loss of original sharp arrises, sometimes with associated face erosion.

Exposure, repeated wetting and drying, and mechanical contact can be associated; harder adjacent mortar may also be relevant.

• location of affected arrises within the elevation
• approximate depth of arris loss
• whether loss is confined to exposed edges or extends onto the face
• condition of adjacent joints

“Arris loss was observed on bricks at the reveal of the first-floor window, with edges rounded by approximately 4 mm.”

Detachment of a piece of the brick face, leaving a recessed area exposing the body of the unit.

Discrete cavities with relatively fresh-looking exposed brick body; sometimes with detached fragments nearby.

Frost action, salt crystallisation, harder pointing mortar or inherent weaknesses in the unit can be associated.

• number of spalled units and their distribution
• approximate size and depth of the spalled area
• whether the spall appears recent or weathered
• presence of salts or moisture indicators nearby

“Spalling was recorded on five bricks within the parapet, with losses up to 30 mm across and 10 mm deep.”

Loss of thin layers from the fired face of the brick, often parallel to the surface.

Thin detached or detaching scales of brick face; freshly exposed body visible beneath where loss has occurred.

Moisture cycling, salt activity and inherent variation between the fired skin and underlying body can be associated.

• extent of flaking across the unit and the elevation
• thickness of the detached layers where visible
• whether flakes remain partly attached or have been lost
• any concentration in a particular orientation or course

“Flaking face was recorded on bricks within the lower string course, with detached scales typically 1–3 mm thick.”

Separation of the brick into layers parallel to the bed face, with loss of internal coherence.

Visible internal laminations, gaps within the unit, sometimes with partial loss of the front layer leaving a stepped profile.

Original manufacturing layering, prolonged moisture exposure and freeze–thaw action can be associated.

• number of affected units
• depth and orientation of the laminations
• whether laminations are tight or open
• any associated cracking through the unit

“Delamination was observed in two bricks at the eaves, with the front 10 mm of each unit separated from the body.”

Progressive granular loss from the brick surface producing a pitted or roughened texture.

Pitted, roughened or honeycombed face; loose granular material may be visible at the foot of the wall.

Soluble salt activity, repeated wetting and the original brick fabric can be associated.

• extent and location of fretting
• presence of granular debris at the base of the wall
• association with any visible moisture or salt indicators
• whether fretting is confined to one band of brickwork

“Fretting was recorded on bricks within the lowest five courses of the north elevation, with granular debris accumulated on the adjacent paving.”

Fine, friable loss of brick material producing a dust-like residue from the face.

Floury or chalky surface; dust transferred when lightly touched; subdued original texture.

Salt crystallisation within the near-surface pores and prolonged dampness can be associated.

• extent of the affected area
• whether powdering is uniform or patchy
• evidence of associated salts or staining
• relationship to moisture sources nearby

“A powdering surface was recorded on bricks behind a defective downpipe, with a light residue transferring when touched.”

Brick body that has lost coherence and crumbles readily when disturbed.

Soft, easily damaged surface; loss of integrity through the depth of the unit where exposed.

Sustained moisture exposure, salt activity and original under-firing can be associated.

• depth to which friability extends where assessable without intervention
• number of units affected
• any associated movement or loss of bedding
• location relative to known damp pathways

“Friable brickwork was observed at the base of the boundary wall, with the surface crumbling on light handling.”

Loss of profile to moulded, rubbed or shaped bricks forming decorative or architectural detail.

Rounded, blurred or missing sections of moulded profile; loss of original crisp detailing compared with sheltered survivors.

Weathering, freeze–thaw, soiling crusts and prior repairs can be associated.

• feature affected and its location
• extent of loss along the moulding
• comparison with surviving sound sections
• any associated structural concerns

“Loss of decorative moulding was recorded along the brick cornice on the south elevation, with the projecting bullnose worn back by up to 8 mm.”

Loss of definition or fabric in gauged brickwork, including rubbed, cut or fine-jointed assemblies.

Rounded arrises, opening of fine joints, partial loss of cut profiles, or detachment of gauged components.

Weathering, soluble salts, incompatible repointing and historic cleaning can be associated.

• location and extent of affected gauged work
• whether loss affects the unit, the fine joint or both
• presence of any earlier repairs to gauged components
• comparison with sheltered surviving work

“Loss of gauged brick detail was recorded at the head of the principal door opening, with the lower arris of two voussoirs worn back by approximately 5 mm.”

Very fine cracks through individual units or across joints, of limited width.

Linear discontinuities visible on close inspection, typically less than 0.5 mm wide, sometimes following bedding planes.

Shrinkage, thermal movement, minor settlement and inherent material features can be associated.

• length and orientation of cracks
• whether cracks pass through units, joints or both
• any associated displacement or staining
• whether cracks appear isolated or part of a pattern

“Hairline cracking was recorded across three bricks above the ground-floor window, following a roughly vertical line.”

Cracks of significant width through units and joints, sufficient to admit debris or moisture.

Visible separations more than approximately 1 mm wide, sometimes with associated displacement to one side.

Structural movement, foundation settlement, thermal cycling and overload can be associated.

• maximum width and length of cracking
• whether crack width varies along its length
• evidence of associated displacement either side of the crack
• presence of staining, vegetation or debris within the crack

“Open cracking was recorded on the north return, extending vertically from sill level for approximately 1.2 m and up to 3 mm wide at its widest point.”

Cracking that follows the bedding and perpend joints in a stepped diagonal pattern.

Diagonal crack tracing the line of bedding joints and stepping at perpends; may or may not extend through individual units.

Differential settlement, movement at openings and foundation issues can be associated.

• direction and length of the stepped pattern
• approximate width at intervals along the crack
• relationship to openings, returns or interfaces
• whether displacement is visible across the crack

“Stepped cracking was recorded on the south elevation, rising from the corner of the basement opening through six courses in a diagonal pattern.”

Cracking that passes directly through individual bricks rather than around them.

Crack line crossing the face of one or more units, sometimes with offset between the two sides.

Concentrated stress, overload, point loading and harder pointing mortar can be associated.

• number of units fractured
• width of the fracture and any displacement
• location relative to loads or fixings
• whether the fracture extends through the depth of the unit where observable

“A fracture through unit was recorded at the springing of the brick arch, passing through two voussoirs.”

Cracking, distortion or displacement concentrated around door, window or other openings in brickwork.

Cracks radiating from opening corners, distorted reveals, displacement at heads or sills, or associated arch deformation.

Lintel failure, settlement, thermal cycling and previous alterations can be associated.

• openings affected and their location on the elevation
• type and extent of cracking observed
• any associated distortion to reveals or sills
• evidence of previous repairs nearby

“Movement around openings was recorded at the rear ground-floor window, with stepped cracking rising from both upper corners.”

Cracking concentrated at the bearings of lintels carrying brickwork above openings.

Vertical or near-vertical cracking immediately above the end of the lintel, sometimes with associated displacement of bricks above.

Lintel deflection, corrosion of embedded metal, inadequate bearing length or original construction defects can be associated.

• location and width of the cracking
• any associated deflection of the lintel itself where visible
• evidence of staining suggestive of embedded corrosion
• condition of adjacent reveals

“Cracking at lintel bearing was recorded above the eastern entrance, extending vertically through three courses at the right-hand support.”

Pre-existing manufacturing defects within units that have become more apparent in service, such as firing cracks.

Linear cracks, voids or laminations within the unit consistent with manufacture rather than in-service movement.

Original firing or shaping defects can be associated, sometimes opened up by weathering or stress.

• number of units affected and their distribution
• character of the flaw compared with structural cracking
• whether the flaw is opening over time where comparable evidence exists
• any associated face loss

“A manufacturing flaw visible in service was recorded on a unit in the third course above ground, with a fine vertical line consistent with a firing crack.”

Crystalline deposit of soluble salts on the brick surface or within joints.

White, occasionally coloured, powdery or fluffy deposits on the face of bricks or mortar.

Movement of soluble salts through brickwork during drying and the available moisture supply can be associated.

• extent and distribution of efflorescence
• concentration on units, joints or both
• presence in particular bands or near identified moisture sources
• whether deposits appear recent or long-standing

“Salt efflorescence was recorded on the lower courses of the chimney breast internally, as a white crystalline deposit on bricks and joints.”

Salt crystallisation taking place within the brick body close to the surface rather than on it.

Spalling, flaking or powdering of the surface with little or no visible deposit on the face; salts sometimes visible within voids.

Soluble salts within the pore structure crystallising during drying can be associated, often with associated surface loss.

• type and extent of surface loss observed
• presence of any salt deposit on adjacent surfaces or within cavities
• relationship to known moisture pathways
• comparison with adjacent unaffected units

“Subflorescence was indicated by localised flaking on bricks in the boundary wall, with no visible deposit on the face but salt crystals within the spalled cavities.”

Darker discoloration of brickwork suggestive of current or past moisture content.

Diffuse darker patches, sometimes with hard edges where the wall has dried unevenly, or with associated salt deposits.

Rainwater, rising damp, leaks from rainwater goods or roofs, and condensation can be associated.

• location and extent of staining
• whether the area feels damp on inspection where reasonable to assess
• association with rainwater paths, openings or service penetrations
• any associated salts, biological growth or fabric loss

“Damp staining was recorded on the rear elevation below the gutter junction, with a darker patch extending across approximately 1.5 m of brickwork.”

Distinct horizontal lines on brickwork marking the upper limit of past moisture rise or saturation.

Roughly horizontal banding with discolouration, salt deposits or staining concentrated along the line.

Repeated cycles of wetting and drying, with salts deposited at the evaporation front, can be associated.

• height above ground or floor level of the tide mark
• continuity of the mark across the elevation
• associated salts, biological growth or surface deterioration
• any related features such as defective ground drainage

“Tide marks were recorded on the internal face of the basement wall, with a band of salt-stained brickwork approximately 800 mm above floor level.”

Vertical stains on brickwork associated with rainwater wash from features above.

Streaked staining running downward from sills, cornices, copings, fixings or defective rainwater goods.

Lack of effective drips, blocked or leaking rainwater goods, and exposure of details to driven rain can be associated.

• source of the staining where identifiable
• extent and direction of the streak
• presence of any associated salts or biological growth
• any related fabric deterioration

“Water run-off staining was observed below the projecting brick sill, with two darker streaks extending downward for approximately 600 mm.”

Indirect signs that brickwork retains moisture for prolonged periods, such as persistent dampness, salts or biological growth.

Combination of darker bricks, biological growth, salt deposits and surface deterioration concentrated in a specific area.

Defective rainwater disposal, abutting impermeable finishes, ground contact and shaded orientation can be associated.

• location and extent of the affected area
• associated features such as planters, abutments or buried surfaces
• evidence of seasonal variation where known
• any related damage to adjacent fabric

“Trapped moisture indicators were recorded behind the abutting raised planting bed, with persistent biological growth and salt staining on the brickwork.”

Brickwork exhibiting evidence of significant soluble salt loading from a sustained source.

Persistent and repeated efflorescence, subflorescence-related loss, repeated tide marks and accelerated decay.

Ground salts, historic agricultural or industrial use, road salt and contaminated render or backing can be associated.

• extent of the affected zone and its height above ground
• type and persistence of salt indicators observed
• any identifiable source of contamination
• whether deterioration appears progressive

“Salt-contaminated masonry was observed at the base of the agricultural building, with recurrent efflorescence and surface loss to a height of approximately 1 m.”

Brown or orange staining of brickwork associated with iron compounds.

Orange-brown to dark brown streaks or patches, often originating from a specific fixing, fitting or embedded metal element.

Corrosion of embedded or adjacent ferrous components, iron-rich inclusions in the units, and rainwater transport can be associated.

• source of staining where identifiable
• extent and direction of the stain
• any associated cracking, displacement or efflorescence
• whether the stain appears active or stable

“Iron staining was recorded beneath the wrought iron tie plate, extending downward in an orange-brown streak for approximately 400 mm.”

Green or blue-green staining of brickwork associated with copper compounds.

Greenish vertical streaks or patches, typically running below copper roofing, flashings, fittings or fixings.

Runoff from copper or copper-alloy components and atmospheric weathering of those metals can be associated.

• source above the stained area where identifiable
• extent of the staining
• whether it is concentrated on units, joints or both
• any associated fabric deterioration

“Copper staining was observed below the copper flashing at the roof junction, with green streaks across three courses of brickwork.”

Staining or distortion of brickwork associated with wall ties or other embedded ferrous components.

Spots or streaks of rust-coloured staining at regular intervals, sometimes with associated cracking or lifting of bedding joints.

Corrosion of embedded ties or anchors, sometimes with associated expansion and damage to surrounding fabric, can be associated.

• regularity and spacing of stained points
• any associated cracking, lifting or displacement of bricks or joints
• extent across the elevation
• comparison with elevations of differing exposure

“Wall-tie or embedded metal staining was recorded at approximately 450 mm vertical centres on the gable, with associated hairline cracking at several joints.”

Hard, dark soiling deposit accumulated on sheltered brick surfaces.

Black or dark grey crust adhering to the brick face, often in sheltered areas and on detailed mouldings.

Long-term accumulation of atmospheric particulates and chemical interaction with the substrate can be associated.

• extent and location of the crust
• thickness where visible
• evidence of any associated loss beneath the crust
• any past cleaning attempts visible

“Black crust was recorded across the sheltered face of the cornice, with a continuous deposit on the underside.”

General darkening of brickwork from atmospheric particulates without forming a hard crust.

Diffuse darkening of the brick face, typically more pronounced on sheltered orientations.

Airborne particulates, traffic emissions and proximity to combustion sources can be associated.

• extent and uniformity of soiling
• differences between sheltered and exposed faces
• any patches suggesting past cleaning
• whether soiling obscures other conditions

“Atmospheric soiling was recorded across the principal elevation, with the brickwork notably darker on sheltered areas around the porch.”

Green or grey-green staining of brickwork associated with algal growth.

Soft green or grey-green discolouration, often diffuse, on damp or shaded surfaces.

Persistent surface moisture, shaded orientation and proximity to vegetation can be associated.

• extent and orientation of the staining
• association with damp areas or shaded surfaces
• whether growth is active
• any related runoff patterns

“Algae staining was recorded on the north elevation, with diffuse green discolouration across the lower bricks.”

Establishment of lichens on brick faces, joints or projecting features.

Crusty, leafy or branching growths in grey, white, yellow or orange colours on the brick surface.

Air quality, exposure, moisture availability and the nature of the brick surface can be associated.

• extent and species character where identifiable
• concentration on particular faces or features
• evidence of any associated fabric loss
• comparison with adjacent unaffected areas

“Lichen colonisation was recorded across the upper courses of the parapet, with grey and yellow growths covering much of the brick face.”

Development of moss within mortar joints and on horizontal brick surfaces.

Green cushions or mats of moss in eroded joints, on copings or projecting features.

Moisture retention, sheltered or shaded orientation and joint erosion can be associated.

• location and extent of moss growth
• associated joint erosion or moisture retention
• whether growth appears active
• any related drainage issues

“Moss growth at joints was recorded along the brick coping, with continuous cushions on the horizontal upper surface.”

Mixed colonisation of brickwork by algae, lichen, moss and minor plants.

Combined surface darkening, patches of growth and developing vegetation on the brickwork.

Moisture retention, sheltered orientation, atmospheric conditions and lack of regular maintenance can be associated.

• types of growth observed where distinguishable
• extent across the elevation
• association with damp or sheltered areas
• any related fabric loss

“General biological growth was recorded on the north return, comprising algae, lichen and isolated moss patches across the lower courses.”

Roots of plants or self-seeded vegetation growing within mortar joints or behind brickwork.

Visible roots emerging from joints, plants rooted into the wall, or joint displacement adjacent to vegetation.

Self-seeded plants exploiting eroded joints, available moisture and lack of maintenance can be associated.

• type and size of vegetation where identifiable
• extent of joint involvement
• any associated displacement of bricks or joints
• evidence of past attempts to remove vegetation

“Root growth at joints was recorded at the south-east corner, with a small buddleia rooted into the brickwork at high level and several joints opened around the base of the plant.”

Bricks that have been subjected to greater heat in firing than typical units in the batch.

Darker colour, often with vitrified or glassy surface, sometimes warped or distorted relative to other units.

Variation within the kiln during original manufacture can be associated; in service these units often behave differently from their neighbours.

• number and distribution of over-fired units
• their condition relative to other bricks
• any associated cracking or distortion
• their location within the wall

“Over-fired units were observed scattered through the elevation, with several displaying a vitrified darker face.”

Bricks that have been fired insufficiently in original manufacture and exhibit a softer, more porous body.

Paler colour, softer face, sometimes with greater face loss or biological colonisation than adjacent units.

Variation within the original firing can be associated; in service these units often weather more rapidly.

• number of under-fired units and their distribution
• comparison with adjacent units in terms of erosion or staining
• association with concentrated areas of deterioration
• evidence of past selective replacement

“Under-fired units were recorded within the lower courses of the elevation, several displaying significantly greater erosion than adjacent bricks.”

Pre-existing crack within a unit dating from manufacture and visible in the wall.

Linear discontinuity within a single unit, often following a characteristic firing pattern, not extending into adjacent units or joints.

Original firing stresses or shaping defects can be associated; not necessarily indicative of in-service movement.

• number of units exhibiting the feature
• whether the crack appears to be opening over time
• associated face loss along the crack
• comparison with structural cracking elsewhere

“A visible firing crack was recorded on a single unit in the third course, confined to the brick and not extending into adjacent joints.”

Pre-existing inclusions of foreign material within the brick body visible at the surface.

Spots, voids or harder/softer areas within the face, sometimes associated with localised spalling or staining.

Material variation in the original clay can be associated; some inclusions may expand or stain over time.

• extent and distribution of inclusions
• any associated face loss or staining
• comparison with the rest of the unit
• whether progressive deterioration is suggested

“Inclusions visible in service were observed on bricks across the elevation, with one larger inclusion associated with a small spall on a single unit.”

Replacement units of differing material, fabric or performance from the surrounding historic brickwork.

Visibly different colour, texture, size or weathering performance compared with the original bricks.

Availability of matching units, cost considerations and lack of specification can be associated.

• number and distribution of replacement units
• differences in colour, size and texture observed
• any associated joint issues or differential weathering
• evidence of further deterioration of the replacements or their neighbours

“Inappropriate replacement bricks were recorded in the southern bay, where machine-made units of differing colour have been inserted within a hand-made historic brickwork field.”

Previously inserted replacement bricks now exhibiting their own deterioration.

Spalling, flaking, erosion or cracking of bricks that are clearly later than the surrounding fabric.

Mismatch in material performance, exposure conditions and original installation can be associated.

• extent of failure of replacement units
• comparison with the condition of original neighbouring bricks
• any associated joint or interface problems
• evidence of multiple phases of intervention

“Failed replacement units were observed within the lower courses, several inserted bricks now exhibiting spalling exceeding that of the adjacent original units.”

Use of dense cement-based mortar or rendering material as a repair to brickwork.

Grey, hard repair patches on units or in joints, often standing proud of, or differing markedly from, the original fabric.

Earlier maintenance approaches and material availability can be associated; these repairs may behave differently from the original fabric.

• extent and location of cementitious repairs
• any associated damage to adjacent original units
• evidence of cracking, debonding or salt activity around the repairs
• any obvious differences in moisture behaviour

“Cementitious repairs were recorded at the base of the chimney, comprising hard grey patches on several bricks with associated spalling at the edges of the repairs.”

Localised filling or building-up of damaged brick faces using mortar, brick-coloured repair material or other infill.

Discrete patches on individual unit faces, of differing colour, texture and performance from the original brick.

Earlier maintenance to address surface loss or spalling can be associated.

• number and distribution of patch repairs
• condition of the patches and any debonding
• any associated damage to host bricks
• evidence of differential weathering between patch and host

“Patch repairs were recorded on several bricks within the parapet, with some patches partially detached at their edges.”

Evidence that earlier repairs are interacting unfavourably with surrounding historic fabric.

Concentrated deterioration of original units adjacent to repairs, cracking at the interface or moisture retention behind repairs.

Differences in porosity, strength and moisture behaviour between repair and original can be associated.

• location of repairs showing apparent incompatibility
• type of deterioration in adjacent original units
• any signs of moisture being concentrated by the repairs
• comparison with similar units away from repair areas

“Previous repair incompatibility was suggested by concentrated spalling of original bricks immediately around several earlier cementitious patches.”

Loss of brick arrises associated with the presence of a harder pointing mortar than the surrounding units.

Eroded brick edges adjacent to relatively sound, proud mortar joints; sometimes with spalling concentrated at arrises.

Use of a pointing mortar harder than the brick, restricting moisture release through the joint, can be associated.

• extent of arris loss across the elevation
• comparison with areas of softer or lime-based pointing
• any associated face loss beyond the arrises
• evidence of repointing using cementitious mortar

“Hard mortar damage to brick arrises was recorded across the elevation where cementitious repointing has been carried out, with consistent loss of arrises adjacent to the proud joints.”

Visible separation between brick units and mortar joints, allowing ingress of water or debris.

Linear gaps along the perimeter of bricks where they meet the joint, sometimes accompanied by mortar loss.

Differential movement, mortar shrinkage, freeze–thaw and earlier repointing failure can be associated.

• extent and continuity of open joints
• approximate width of the gap
• associated mortar loss or damage to brick
• any pattern related to orientation or exposure

“Open joints at brick interface were recorded across the upper courses of the gable, with continuous gaps of approximately 1–2 mm at the underside of bricks in several courses.”

Loss or significant deterioration of the bedding mortar between brick courses.

Voids, deep recessing or absence of mortar between courses, sometimes with associated movement of bricks.

Long-term mortar deterioration, salt action, water infiltration and historic repointing limited to the face can be associated.

• depth and extent of bedding loss where visible
• any associated movement or settlement of bricks
• evidence of historic face-only repointing concealing deeper loss
• location relative to known moisture sources

“Failed bedding was indicated at the parapet, where probing of recessed joints suggested mortar loss to a depth of more than 50 mm in places.”

Out-of-plane deformation of brickwork producing a visible convex face.

Curved or distorted brickwork visible when sighted along the wall, sometimes with associated cracking.

Failure of internal bonding, wall-tie corrosion, embedded timber decay and overload can be associated.

• extent and location of the bulge
• approximate displacement at its maximum
• any associated cracking or open joints
• evidence of past attempts at restraint

“Bulging masonry was recorded in the central bay of the south elevation, with a visible bulge of approximately 30 mm at its maximum.”

Brickwork that has departed from the vertical across its full height.

Wall, parapet or chimney visibly out of plumb when assessed against an adjacent vertical reference.

Foundation movement, lateral loading, alterations and historic damage can be associated.

• element affected and its location
• approximate departure from vertical
• any associated cracking, displacement or distress at junctions
• evidence of past remedial work

“Leaning masonry was recorded at the upper section of the chimney, with the stack visibly inclined to the east when sighted from the ground.”

Movement of single bricks out of their original alignment within the wall plane.

Bricks projecting from or recessed below the wall face; open joints around displaced units.

Failure of bedding mortar, frost action, impact and corrosion of adjacent fixings can be associated.

• number and location of displaced units
• extent of displacement at each location
• any associated cracking or joint loss
• stability of the displaced units

“Displacement of individual units was recorded at high level on the gable, with one brick projecting approximately 10 mm from the wall face.”

Cracking extending continuously across many courses, often associated with significant movement.

Long, sometimes wandering cracks crossing units and joints over several metres, with possible displacement across the line.

Foundation settlement, removal of restraint, lateral loading and major thermal events can be associated.

• total length and width of cracking
• any displacement across the fracture
• relationship to openings, junctions and supports
• evidence of monitoring or past repair

“A fracture across multiple courses was recorded on the rear elevation, extending vertically over five storeys from ground to eaves.”

Loss of brick face attributable to repeated freezing and thawing of retained moisture.

Spalling, flaking and surface granular loss, often concentrated on saturated or exposed faces.

Sustained moisture retention combined with freeze–thaw cycling and the original frost resistance of the units can be associated.

• location and orientation of affected areas
• extent and depth of loss
• association with moisture pathways or copings
• comparison with sheltered units

“Frost-related surface loss was recorded on the upper courses of the freestanding wall, with spalling concentrated below the inadequately weathered coping.”

Changes to the brickwork associated with past exposure to fire.

Discolouration, calcination, spalling, fissuring or fused surfaces, often concentrated within a specific area.

Past fire events, intense or prolonged heating and rapid cooling can be associated.

• extent of the affected area
• type and pattern of alteration observed
• any associated structural concerns
• evidence of past repair following the event

“Fire-related alteration was recorded in the corner of the warehouse, with bricks displaying calcined faces and surface spalling across approximately 2 m².”

Loss of brick face from repeated mechanical contact such as use, traffic or cleaning.

Smoothed, worn or grooved surfaces, often at predictable locations such as door reveals, low-level corners and steps.

Use, vehicle or trolley contact, cleaning regimes and accumulated handling can be associated.

• location and pattern of wear
• extent of material loss where measurable
• associated damage to arrises or features
• evidence of cumulative impact

“Abrasion was recorded at the entrance reveal, with rounded arrises and a polished worn area extending approximately 1 m above the threshold.”

Localised damage from a discrete impact event to brickwork.

Cracking, chipping, displacement or loss of one or more units in a localised area, with relatively fresh edges where recent.

Vehicle contact, falling debris, construction activity and vandalism can be associated.

• location and extent of damage
• number of units affected
• any associated cracking extending beyond the impact zone
• evidence of associated displacement

“Impact damage was recorded at the base of the gatepost, with two bricks broken and partially displaced, consistent with vehicle contact.”