The brick in the foundation of my house has several spots where it is falling apart and leaking. I'm looking to patch the holes - the visual aesthetics are less important than building health.

The yard slopes towards the house and I believe the continual presence of water is what caused the problems. This is evidenced because the worst spots are near downspouts or other water routes. I've diverted the water and now I need to fix the holes (to keep out cold air, vermin, and any chance water that may find it's way)

The foundation is an addition to the house that only has a crawl space - 4 feet at the tallest and seems to be about 1.5 feet at the area in question (only half foot above ground). On top of the brick is a wood frame. There is also separation between the frame and bricks.

Some of the holes have already been patched - a few about half brick big with that spray foam stuff; and a 12 brick area with what looks like a 1/2 inch layer of cement or mortar.

What do you recommend?

Thanks!
Michael

So are you saying the actual brick is deteriorating and not just the mortar? If tuck pointing is what's needed I can help you with that. However, if the bricks are deteriorating they need to be completely removed and replaced. Elimination of the water will help a great deal. Can I assume we are talking about fired face bricks and not cement blocks?

Yes important to answer those questions Michael999 because the mortar mix for between bricks is not the same as the cement used to replace a missing brick

The bricks (red fired bricks, not concrete) are fine, but the mortar is often either non-existent or crumbly.

OK, then you need tuck pointing. Rather than boring you with 10 pages of print just open this link. These folks alreadt said everything correctly. How to Tuckpoint Mortar Joints (http://homerepair.about.com/od/exteriorhomerepair/ss/sbs_tuckpoint.htm)