Brick veneer may be applied to an existing building in much the same manner as to new construction. The old finish, except interior casings around doors and windows, need not be removed.
On old buildings, the veneer should be started on the projecting portion of the footing, or on a steel shelf angle bolted to the foundation wall, but never on an angle fastened to wood sill or framing members. The steel should be heavily coated with hot asphalt.
If desired, a new 8-inch concrete footing may be placed against the outside face of the old foundation wall extending from grade level to below frost line and resting on soil having good bearing qualities. Brickwork should be laid up to door and window frames and staff-bead molding securely nailed to the frames in the corners formed by the brickwork. Similar molding should be placed at the underside of the roof projection and other places where brickwork joins the existing finish.
If cracks develop in brick-veneer walls as a result of settlement or other causes, they should be repaired, and the infiltration of water prevented.