Crumbling Brick

[dampsquib]

Hi,
I've noticed one of the bricks on the corner of our house is crumbling; both external faces are affected. I know that you can drill out the brick and replace it, but the brick is directly below the DPC membrane and I don't want to damage it. What's the best way to deal with this?

 

[Blagard]

Drill out the bed at the bottom of the brick, then the perps. You should be able to knock the brick free without touching the bed course with the DPC. Then remove the remaining top bed to underside of DPC carefully using a bolster. If the mortar is really strong you you may need to drill to perps as close to the DPC as possible before you attempt to knock the brick free. Hopefully, with a bit of care the bed joint will come away from the DPC. Take it carefully as your own time is free!