Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - decorative brick pillar removal
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TheBossof3
04-08-03, 12:57 PM
Hi! I have a problem with two non weight bearing brick pillars that are in front of my ranch house. I have noticed that they are starting to shift and need to be removed. They are decorative and are not connected in any way to my home...but they are very close to the roof line.
I am looking for tips or advice as to how to take these pillars down with the least amount of possible damage to surrounding shrubs or my house. I have seen where these pillars have been taken down only about half way in some homes in our area. Problem is that those homeowners have no idea how it was done. They were taken down before their ownership.
Got any ideas? :confused:
I am looking for tips or advice as to how to take these pillars down with the least amount of possible damage to surrounding shrubs or my house. I have seen where these pillars have been taken down only about half way in some homes in our area. Problem is that those homeowners have no idea how it was done. They were taken down before their ownership.
Got any ideas? :confused:
pmgca
04-08-03, 10:48 PM
Hi,
A column doesn't need to be conected with a wall to be part of a structure. Brick colums are also used as roof support, for example. Are you 100% sure that your roof is not supported by those columns?
Perhaps you need to know first what's going on with the columns
Regards,
A column doesn't need to be conected with a wall to be part of a structure. Brick colums are also used as roof support, for example. Are you 100% sure that your roof is not supported by those columns?
Perhaps you need to know first what's going on with the columns
Regards,
TheBossof3
04-09-03, 07:36 AM
Good point! Yes I am absolutely sure that they are not supporting pillars as they are not in contact with the roof at all. There is clearance between the roofline and the very top of the brick. Also, I have seen several houses in the area that have taken down their brick pillars completely or half way.
The problem that we are starting to see is that since they are completely free floating in a sense, they are beginning to lean. Of course they have decided to lean towards the house! This is why we are concerned about them and would like to remove them or at least take them down half way and then put planters on them or something like that.
The problem that we are starting to see is that since they are completely free floating in a sense, they are beginning to lean. Of course they have decided to lean towards the house! This is why we are concerned about them and would like to remove them or at least take them down half way and then put planters on them or something like that.
pmgca
04-09-03, 08:49 AM
Hi,
OK, this is my favorite method for "just brick". Again, you can do it if you are 100% sure that the columns are not part of the structure. Of course, there are other ways, but this is good for DIY.
I don't need to say: use protection to do this: safety glasses, dust mask, gloves, and head protection
With this method you are not going to demolish the column, but to detach pieces of wall, so you'll have less dust.
OK, Step 1: remove ALL things attached to the wall.
Step 2: you'll need a power drill with the appropriate bits (ask for concrete / brick bits).
Step 3: divide your column in pieces of 2' wide or less (starting from the top), and make holes, say each 3", in all the contour. Start with a small piece fo feel the system.
Step 4: You'll need a sledge hammer, or drilling hammer or a Rubber Mallot (I like the last one), and softly beat the piece.
Step 5: The piece will fall more or less as a unit.
Let me know if you need more help.
Good luck!
OK, this is my favorite method for "just brick". Again, you can do it if you are 100% sure that the columns are not part of the structure. Of course, there are other ways, but this is good for DIY.
I don't need to say: use protection to do this: safety glasses, dust mask, gloves, and head protection
With this method you are not going to demolish the column, but to detach pieces of wall, so you'll have less dust.
OK, Step 1: remove ALL things attached to the wall.
Step 2: you'll need a power drill with the appropriate bits (ask for concrete / brick bits).
Step 3: divide your column in pieces of 2' wide or less (starting from the top), and make holes, say each 3", in all the contour. Start with a small piece fo feel the system.
Step 4: You'll need a sledge hammer, or drilling hammer or a Rubber Mallot (I like the last one), and softly beat the piece.
Step 5: The piece will fall more or less as a unit.
Let me know if you need more help.
Good luck!
TheBossof3
04-10-03, 09:34 AM
This is the best suggestion I've heard so far. It addresses my concerns...how to get this column down piece by piece with the least amount of possible damage to surrounding areas and things.
I think that your suggestion for demolishing the columns will give us more control and will allow up to take it bit by bit.
I am hoping to tackle this project in the very near future. Thank you for helping us to find a good way to get started!
Debbie
I think that your suggestion for demolishing the columns will give us more control and will allow up to take it bit by bit.
I am hoping to tackle this project in the very near future. Thank you for helping us to find a good way to get started!
Debbie
pmgca
04-10-03, 10:46 AM
Hi,
You're welcome!
Lets us know about the results and good luck!
You're welcome!
Lets us know about the results and good luck!