How to Remove Brick Cladding

Brick cladding is one of the most popular facings for homes. A wire mesh is attached onto the exterior walls and mortar is applied over the wire. You can then attach the bricks onto the mortar. Cladding made of brick is an excellent barrier against water damage. This helps to keep the interior of your home dry and secure. Bricks also absorb most of the noise from outside which creates a more peaceful environment indoors. At some point, it may become necessary to remove the brick facing from your home. You can accomplish this with the help of the guide below. 

Step 1 – Put on Protective Gear

Expect a lot of dust generation when you remove exterior bricks. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust and fine debris. A respirator helps to prevent inhalation of dust. Wear heavy duty gloves to protect your hands from injuries. You may also want to wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants to protect your skin from the dust.

Step 2 – Mark Boundaries

It is best to remove the brick in small sections. Use a piece of chalk to mark the boundaries where you’ll cut along the brick.

Step 3 – Cut Along Boundaries

Use a masonry grinder to cut into the brick along the marked lines. For brick that is higher up, mount a ladder to access the brick.

Step 4 – Loosen the Bricks

Insert a chisel along the edge of one section of bricks. Hit the back of the chisel with a hammer. This helps the chisel to penetrate underneath the bricks. Once you’ve made some entryway, remove the chisel and place at a different point along the edge of the bricks. Repeat the action with the chisel and hammer at several points along the section.

Step 5 – Remove the Bricks

Use your chisel to dislodge the brick. Work from several different points along the edge of the marked section. Use your sledge hammer to knock off the bricks that are difficult to remove. You may also use the sledge hammer to loosen the mortar on the wire mesh. It may be difficult at first but once you’ve removed the first few bricks, removal becomes easier. Work in this way for all the marked sections until you’ve removed all the brick from the wall.

Step 6 – Clear the Debris

Pick the bricks and place in a wheelbarrow. Sweep all the dust and debris. Collect with a spade or dustpan and place in the wheelbarrow.

Step 7 – Remove the Wire Mesh

Cut the wire mesh into small sections. Use your sledge hammer to loosen sections of mortar that are difficult to remove. Pull off the wire mesh from the wall. Use a scraper to clear the walls of leftover mortar. For wooden walls, you’ll need to be careful not to damage the walls as you scrape.

Step 8 – Clean the Walls

Spray down the walls with your garden hose. Allow the walls to dry completely before you install any new material.