CES noted a vertical crack in the brick veneer. This crack was deemed to be a thermal crack due to the lack of an expansion joint in the brick. Expansion joints are required in the exterior brick veneer every 20 feet for every 40 foot of length. To better understand this phenomena, the following has been taken from the Brick Industry Association Technical Notes:

Brick Industry Association Technical Note 28

Movement Provisions : Like other building elements, brickwork will continually change in size during its life due to the combined effects of changes in temperature and moisture. Moisture expansion can continue for years, while thermal movement and mortar contraction will occur periodically, contingent upon temperature and moisture conditions.

Provisions for movement, which include bond breaks (discussed above), expansion joints and joint reinforcement, are not usually required for one- and two-family dwellings; however, they may be needed in specific situations. The designer should analyze each project to determine such need. The IBC requires design and detailing of brick veneer construction to accommodate differential movement.

Expansion Joints : The spacing and placement of vertical and horizontal expansion joints should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Expansion joints may be needed in brick veneer to accommodate horizontal movement in long walls, walls with returns, large openings (such as two-car garage openings), near corners and changes in support, among other conditions. These features influence how the brickwork reacts to movement in a wall. As noted above, additional expansion joints may also be needed to isolate the veneer from structural elements that impart lateral loads and veneer supported on wood construction. The placement of expansion joints and the materials used should be in accordance with the information given in the Technical Notes 18 Series. While expansion joints are rarely used in residential construction, their use should be considered in large expanses of brickwork or other areas as identified in Technical Note 18A.

Brick Industry Association Technical Note 18A

Vertical Expansion Joints in Brick Veneer:

• For brickwork without openings, space no more than 25 ft (7.6 m) o.c.
• For brickwork with multiple openings, consider symmetrical placement of expansion joints and
  reduced spacing of no more than 20 ft (6.1 m) o.c.
• When spacing between vertical expansion joints in parapets is more than 15 ft (4.6 m), make expansion joints wider or place additional expansion joints halfway between full-height expansion joints
• Place as follows:
  o at or near corners
  o at offsets and setbacks
  o at wall intersections
  o at changes in wall height
  o where wall backing system changes
  o where support of brick veneer changes
  o where wall function or climatic exposure changes
  o Extend to top of brickwork, including parapets

To remedy this, an expansion joint needs to be cut into the wall adjacent the window. The expansion joint should be filled with silicone (color to match existing mortar). The remainder of the brick in this area should be properly re-pointed.