I was replacing window sills and now...

[CityguyUSA]

In the above image there was a yellow circle on the right were I found insect damage above the transom. It's at a hard place to repair and I don't know the extent of the damage. My fist thought was to replace the header which should be much simpler than a window sill. However, if you look at the window header on the left side in the yellow circle you can see the brick is not in good shape. That brick came loose when I was tapping on the window header which like the door header is full of small black ants. The damage was done by carpenter ants. I've not had any success trying to kill the ants they just keep coming that makes a sectional repair almost impossible if I can't eliminate the ants. I've sprayed and I've used bait that they eat and they love eating it but they just keep coming buy the thousands. If I opt to replace the header how do I deal with the brick? I'm afraid if I take the headers out the brick will fall. I thought maybe I could take the headers out in pieces supporting the brick as I went but cutting them apart is the issue. What the heck would I use? Other ideas on how to approach this? I've already had some bricks fall out when I've taken out the window sills and they need remortared and replaced but they are supported by the bricks below. If I take out a header I could have not only a mess but serious danger.

[handyandy]

• The damage is indeed extensive and in a difficult area to repair, as mentioned.
• The suggestion to replace the header seems valid, but caution is needed due to the unstable brickwork.
• The ant infestation is not visible in the image, but given the extent of the damage, it's clearly a serious issue that needs to be addressed before any repairs.
• Regarding brick stability, your concern about the bricks falling when the header is removed is justified. The image shows that some bricks are already in poor condition.
• Your idea of removing the headers in pieces while supporting the brick could work, but it would require extreme care and possibly temporary support structures.
• For cutting the headers, you might consider using a reciprocating saw with a blade designed for wood with nails, or an oscillating multi-tool for more precise cuts in tight spaces.
• Given the extent of the damage and the structural concerns, it would be highly advisable to consult with a professional contractor or structural engineer before proceeding. The situation appears complex enough that DIY repairs could be risky.
• The combination of water damage (evident from the deterioration) and insect infestation suggests that a comprehensive approach to repair and prevention will be necessary.

I'd be very careful if trying to fix! Might be good to get a quote for repair to compare against your expenses. It might not be that far off. Let us know what other questions you have!!!

[CityguyUSA]

I appreciate the reply.

I thought about a reciprocating saw but I can't figure out how I would be able to cut out even a section because the end of the saw has to go in and out there's no way to cut it except on a diagonal which would get into the door frame. The multi-tool would work to a point but I think slow going and I could only get so deep and then I'd be stuck again unless there's a 5-6" blade available and then I'd have to take out a block and replace it turn it into a cutting board. Maybe at the top of header where it is caulked I could slide in a piece of steel bar? I know the window header next to it is infested too so how many aren't comproised? There are 14 windows and 2 doors. I think the headers only lasted this long because they don't overhang like a window sill does.

I hate to admit that I need help but...having to repair the whole brick wall starting at the top of the 2nd story would be a lot of work. Mason's seem to do new construction but repairing old is harder work becaause you have to remove the mortar and then put it back. I tried before to get an estimate and couldn't get anyone to even show up.

[handyandy]

Steel support isn't a bad idea at all, I'd research that. I know several of my windows have a flat steel bar above them to support. How old is the house?

Sorry you couldn't get anyone to show up. The last few years it seems harder and harder to get help, especially in nonspecific or esoteric projects. I guess there is easier money to be made.

[CityguyUSA]

The county lists it as 1870 but I'm betting colonial times 1750ish to 1825ish. Agnes hit in 1972 and my home took a swim and was rehabbed in the late 1970's early 1980's. If you can imagine Harvest Gold appliances. lol

As part of the rehab the Codorus Creek was widened and the Indian Rock Dam was built upstream which is to the south oddly to hopefully prevent future flooding. Yet about every 30-40 years we get basements with several inches of water. Last time was 2011. We are the lowest point in the city so all the water from the hills on the north, south and west all want to come here. Someone had the bright idea of building pump stations along the Codorus. They're supposed to prevent an overrun of water from the storm drain system by pumping the water out of the storm drain system into the creek. Wait the storm pipes empty into the creek. How is this supposed to help? The creek normally about a foot deep gets up to the bottom of the existing bridges I don't know eactly how high they are maybe 30 feet? Seems it would have been a lot cheaper to put in larger storm drain piping.

York, PA was surveyed in 1741 on the banks of the Codorus Creek. My house sits with it's back against the Codorus just a 1 1/2 blocks south from W Market St and 3 blocks west of the square. The first seat of the Continental Congress was in 1777. The historic Penn Market, the oldest farmer's market in York is a block north and a block west of me was built in 1866. A little further wawy from he square. Churches date back to the 1760's, mass production looks more like late 1880's. People had to be here living somewhere otherwise mass production wouldn't be mass at all. First roads east and south about 1739. The first road from the north into York on 1749. Coal first came in 1818. By 1850 the telegraph between DC and Baltimore was extended to York, PA.