5 Reasons That Your Property May Need a Brick Masonry Repair
Masonry is one of the most reliable construction methods. Brick, stone, and concrete masonry are all extremely durable and long-lasting.
But that doesn’t mean they don’t need maintenance and repairs from time to time. It’s important to pay close attention to your home’s brickwork to be alert to the signs that it might need to be repaired. So be sure to check the brickwork on your chimney, fireplace, veneers, and other walls, especially in areas that are exposed to the elements.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the most common reasons you might need brick masonry repairs, so you can make sure to catch the problems early and avoid more costly repairs or revonations.
What are some of the most common reasons for brick masonry repairs?
These are the five most common causes of brick repairs. Keep reading below to see more info on each of these.
• Leakage
• Stains or discoloration
• Brick and mortar cracks
• Spalling
• Displacement
Leakage or Moisture Damage
Leaks or moisture damage is a serious problem because it’ll affect more than just your brickwork. If you think water is getting through your brickwork and into your home, you need to do something about it immediately!
What is leakage in brick masonry?
Leakage is usually caused by improperly laid bricks or by cracks that’ve formed in the joints. When it rains or when snow melts off your house, moisture can get behind the bricks and seep into your home. Sometimes this can happen for years without you noticing.
How does leakage affect construction?
Leaks affect more than just your brick:
• Water can erode the mortar that bonds your brick and compromise the structure’s integrity.
• The more moisture that gets into your brickwork, the faster it will deteriorate.
• Moisture that get’s into your home’s wood structure and drywall will create mold growth and cause wood beams to rot.
If you think you have a problem like this, you need a repair soon! It’s best to call the professionals to come have a look at your home and evaluate what type of masonry repair you’ll need. If caught early, the repairs could actually be quite simple, so it’s worth it to get it checked out soon.
Stains or Discoloration
What causes brick stains and discoloration?
Stains and discoloration can be caused by water damage, bacteria, mold growth, soot, and more.
How to identify stains in bricks?
Since there are so many different types of stains, we can’t list them all here. But if you notice some discoloration, in most cases, all it needs is a good cleaning. Hose off or lightly powerwash your brickwork. In some cases you might need to get out a scrub brush.
If after a good cleaning you still notice the same discoloration, then it’s time to call the professionals to see what might be causing the problem and if you need a masonry repair.
Brick and Mortar Cracks
The natural movement of a building can cause cracking in the mortar joints.
Are cracks in brick normal?
Small cracks in stone, concrete, or brick walls are common during the lifespan of a building. However, cracks should not be ignored because they can contribute to bigger problems or be a sign of more serious problems that could lead to a costly masonry repair down the road.
Can cracked bricks be repaired?
Small cracks can usually be easily repaired. Larger cracks though, or cracks in critical areas on a structural wall may need more in depth repair work in order to fix the underlying issues.
Spalling
Spalling is when the surface of the brick gets brittle and flaky and starts to come off. Usually with just a fingernail you can pull flakes and small chunks off the surface of the brick.
What causes spalling?
Spalling is mostly caused by the freeze/thaw cycle. Bricks are porous and will absorb moisture. If the temperature drops and that moisture freezes, it expands and puts stress on the brick from the inside out. If you live in a cold climate where this happens over and over again, it will cause spalling.
How serious is spalling?
As your bricks get more and more brittle, they can break apart to the point that they’ll allow more moisture into the wall. And if enough of your bricks are spalling, it can compromise the structural integrity of the wall or chimney.
Displacement
What is displacement in brick masonry?
This is when bricks or sections of brick move out of their place.
What causes displacement?
There are many different causes of displacement, but most involve serious structural problems.
Can displacement be fixed?
Yes. Inward displacement can be corrected by replacing failed support components and rebuilding the area with additional reinforcement. Outward displacement has to be corrected by rebuilding the area with additional horizontal ties and support.
This is a repair job that’s best left to the professionals.
If you live in the Garland, Texas area and would like someone to have a look at your damaged brick, give us a call at Alexander and Xavier Masonry for a FREE consultation. We offer all different types of brick and stone repair services.
Brick Masonry Repair & Care Tips
Brick masonry construction undoubtedly offers durability. But periodic inspections and maintenance are needed to prolong the life of your home’s brickwork. Here are a few things you can keep in mind when maintaining your stone and brick masonry.
• Get your property inspected – Look for signs of water damage, crumbling, displacement, or deterioration. Alternatively, you can hire a local masonry contractor to do a thorough inspection. If you’re living in Texas, Alexander and Xavier Masonry can help you do inspections and repairs, if needed.
• Avoid abrasive cleaning methods that won’t damage the brick – Use a simple mixture of vinegar and water along with a soft brush to scrub off debris.
• Plant removal – Remove moss and other unwanted plants that try to climb up the brickwork. These can contribute to the penetration of water and moisture as well as the deterioration of the mortar.
• Paint removal – If you have painted brick, but you want to remove the paint to get back to the natural brick look, it’s best to hire a professional to remove the paint without causing damage the brick.
Don't Wait Too Long to Get Your Brick Repaired!
Keep you home looking nice for decades to come by keeping your brick in good shape. Don’t forget to do a regular inspection to check for damage to any of your home’s masonry.
Whether you have a new home or an older one, if you need a brick masonry repair, give us a call at Alexander and Xavier Masonry. In addition to all our masonry services, we offer a FREE consultation to help you make the best decision for you and your family.
Give us a call today!
