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Wanted brick 'lattice'..builder says can't do it.

14 years ago

We wanted brick lattice work in between the brick columns supporting porch, however we are going to have a concrete porch floor and our builder says he has to have that solid concrete block wall to support the porch. I understand, but does anyone know of another method of support for the concrete porch floor so that we could have this brick "lattice"? Thanks for your time.

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Comments (11)

macv
14 years ago
I would think brick lattice would be for the purpose of providing ventilation under a porch that needed it which means it is probably a wood deck on brick piers with the brick lattice between the piers.

A concrete deck/slab would rest on perimeter solid concrete or brick walls and either be supported by compacted fill or be structurally reinforced to span the deck width.

It seems to me you might be trying to combine incompatible designs. Where did you get the idea?
nc_cowgirl
Original Author
14 years ago
I saw a picture of a home on the web...it actually may have a wood porch floor or composite decking... didn't even take note. I just loved the look. Something different. Our house will have a 4' foundation height and full length porch (36' long). Just trying to do something different! Thanks.
Dana
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Wanted brick lattice....builder says can't do it!
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reinforce the slab to support it self between the columns,then you can put what ever you want between them
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macv
14 years ago
Make it out of pressure treated wood and composite decking with brick piers and lattice unless you're in a storm surge zone. Much nicer than concrete.
nc_cowgirl
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you! I agree! I guess we'll work it out somehow! My husband said he wants a house that is as maintenence free as he can get...I guess he's right!
hoosiermom_2009
14 years ago
Are you thinking of something like this? This is the house we are building right now:

I have also seen porches where the brick comes all the way up and is part of the porch edge trim, which I think looks really neat.
MaryLynnNC
14 years ago
Is this what you are thinking of? Porch is concrete.
macv
14 years ago
The important issue about the above photo is what is supporting the brick spandrel and the edge of the porch deck. I'm sure your mason doesn't want to put much load on a brick screen. Of course all of the brickwork needs to be on a good foundation so this detail could be very expensive.

Maintenance on brick is cheap until it starts to fail and then it is expensive.

The detail of brick against the wood framed house is not ideal and could result in maintenance costs eventually.
sierraeast
14 years ago
In Marylynnnc's pic, wouldn't a steel lintel be used above the lattice similar to a window/entry opening on a veneered wall or basement?
corky1_2008 Harris
14 years ago
That is a nice look BUT it also looks like critter heaven. Rats, squirrels, weasels, spiders - you name it - can fit through those openings and setup housekeeping. There is no way that you could eradicate any pests that moved in /passed away under there.
brickeyee
14 years ago
"There is no way that you could eradicate any pests that moved in /passed away under there.

You leave an opening on one side to allow access.

"...wouldn't a steel lintel be used above the lattice similar to a window/entry opening on a veneered wall or basement?"

Thw span is much larger than a door or window.and is in two directions (side to side and towards and away friom the house.
The concrete slab must be capable of supporting itself with only the piers having any load carrying to the footers.

Imagine a patio slab raised up to form a deck on piers.
The slab must now span between the piers itself without failing.

At the very least the slab is going to need real rebar and not just 6 inch wire embedded.

While concrete is very strong in compression, it is weak in tension.
The steel rebar embedded takes up the tension load.
sierraeast
14 years ago
Thanks Brick!

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