Expert: Dan Griffin - 7/23/2009

Question
I am having a slab pored for a house and I wanted a brick ledge. The former forgot to add the extra footage for the ledge. The plumber has already set the plumbing in. The former said that he could go back after the slab is poured and add the brick ledge and pour it later. My Question is can this be done and what do I need to know so that the brick wall is attached correctly.

Answer
Lylla, yes, a brick ledge can be added.  It can be done with either steel, block, brick, or concrete.  Steel below grade would not be my first choice.


The best solution would be to add a concrete or block bearing surface from the original footing to the base of the veneer.  This "stem wall" should be well anchored to the existing stem and must have the size and strength to carry the proposed veneer load.  Make sure some provision is made for getting moisture out of the veneer and away from the structure (reference weep holes).  Without seeing your situation, I cannot be more specific.

If you are even slightly uncomfortable about this issue, contact a structural engineer to design the solution.