Bricks vs blocks & render, or something else?

mad_rich

The time has come to finally wave goodbye to my collapsing rear wall. Most of the top third is rotten/ blown, and the rest is severely damaged (age, north-facing, and busy road). I also need to replace the garage door (brown one is mine) and side gate (black).

I've had a quote for demolish + rebuild in brick, garage door, new lintel & gate at £2740. This seems pricey, but it’s the only quote I’ve got so far.

Just had a second builder out for a quote, and he suggested blockwork + render instead of bricks. He also reckons the bricks above the garage door are sagging (they are), and suggests replacing them with a wooden fascia (they’re not supporting the roof) and doing away with the lintel. No price yet.

Any thoughts?

What are the merits of rendered blocks vs bricks? Any other options I should be thinking about?

I had been planning to get a like for like replacement and just rebuild it with brick - not because I particularly like it, but because that’s what most houses on the block have.

Pic below: http://i.imgur.com/HSxS6SE.png?1



Cheers

Plumber90

Brick is far better and will still look good with age unlike render. Also render will stand out and look weird as there is no other render around by the look of things.

Doozergirl

I agree with plumber90.

A wooden fascia to the garage won't last forever and, like render, will need maintenance - more maintenance than render. Your decision would depend on whether you want to pay a little more to be able to leave it with a concrete lintel and bricks.

cyclonebri1

It's be a damp wet wall if you use block/render and you will have constant issues.
As said above brick, but decent bricks.
They have a rating the name of which escapes me at present, it basically determines their durability.
You don't want anything fancy, just fit for purpose;);)