Find Any Weakness

• Check out a brick wall to find any structural flaws. You will need to look for cracks, foundational problems or soil erosion. A lack of depth for the wall's base can affect its ability to stand over time, too. Figure out if you will need to rework any sections where the bricks look weak or compromised. A retaining wall with soil behind it can weaken over time from water damage or poor construction. Rebuilding a wall by taking it down completely is in order if you have doubts about its integrity.
  
  

Enhance Structural Support

• Use columns or capping to help support a long retaining wall. Concrete footings can be added to hold small support columns along the front of the wall every few feet, if you're concerned the bank of dirt behind the wall will push bricks out over time. Build support columns from brick or stone in an identical fashion. As another alternative, use cut stones held in place with mortar to cap a retaining wall that is vulnerable to water damage. Adding concrete benches along a brick wall is good for structural support, too.
  
  

Build a Roof Cover

• A patio space can adjoin a tall brick wall. Your home might have a brick wall built as a privacy fence, for example. Construct a shelter beside the wall to cover a newly built patio. Don't add weight to the brick wall, especially if you are not familiar with its original construction and footings. You will need to dig separate footings for support posts to hold up the roof cover.
  
  

Add a Gate With Columns

• A gate can be added if the brick wall is free-standing. You can remove some brick work to incorporate a wooden or metal gate into the wall's design. An ornate gate can enhance your home's side yard or front curbside appeal. Brick columns can be installed to hold the gate, if there is sufficient room. The columns will each need an individual concrete support foundation below ground level.
  
  

Use an Artistic Touch

• Artistic amenities can be added to a brick wall. Go over possibilities for adding contrasting brick sections or a couple of small concrete statues to an existing brick wall. Special stonework can replace an old section of brick as well. Keep in mind that the brick wall must fit with the architectural design of your home, however. A two-story colonial brick home requires a more formal wall than a small cottage.