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How to Lay Bricks On a House Foundation Over Stucco

Change the look in the front of your home by installing a brick veneer over the stucco finish on the foundation surface. Brick veneer is lighter and thinner than regular brick, making it an ideal choice when attaching directly to a stucco surface. A brick upgrade might increase the value of your home and is a simple project that most people are able to finish in a weekend.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel
  • Power washer
  • Paint scraper
  • Flashing strips
  • Screws
  • Metal wall ties
  • Nails
  • Brick mortar
  • Masonry trowel
  • 1/4-inch rubber hose
  • Level
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dig about 6 inches of soil away from the foundation so you can access the area. Spray the foundation and stucco finish with a power washer to remove dirt and debris that will prevent the brick from sticking properly. Let the foundation dry completely.

    • 2

      Inspect the stucco to make sure there are no loose or damaged areas. Scrape loose stucco with a paint scraper or putty knife to remove it from the surface.

    • 3

      Attach flashing strips along the bottom edge of the foundation by screwing them through the stucco and into the concrete underneath to prevent a gap where water can seep between the brick and stucco.

    • 4

      Install metal wall ties by nailing them in a staggered arrangement about 2 to 3 feet apart to support the veneer bricks.

    • 5

      Spread mortar in a 1-inch layer over the stucco with a masonry trowel, covering only a 2-foot area at time. Attach brick at the top of the foundation and work in a downward pattern by pressing them into place. Stagger the brick veneer so the vertical edges are not in a straight line.

    • 6

      Stick a 2-inch-long piece of rubber hose every 2 feet along the center of the brick installation area so there are drainage holes to prevent water buildup behind the bricks.

    • 7

      Check the top edge of the foundation brick with a level every 2 feet to verify you are installing it straight.

    • 8

      Install brick veneer around window in a vertical pattern, instead of horizontal, to create a framed edge.

    • 9

      Pull out the rubber hoses after the mortar is completely dried, about two to five days after installation.