While brick-and-mortar structures may seem impervious to damage, homeowners still need to keep track of signs of wear and tear that occur naturally over time and can compromise the structural integrity of the brickwork. With proper care and maintenance, your brick home can last a lifetime, if not longer. This is why you should always consider including brick repair when planning your next home improvement project.
If you are unsure what signs you should look for or why damage occurs in the first place, here are several leading causes that damage your home’s brick and mortar that indicate when you should work with expert masons to repair or restore your home.
Cracked, Missing, And Deteriorating Mortar
One of the first signs that your brick home is in trouble is cracked, missing, and otherwise deteriorating mortar. In many homes, masonry walls can last between 15 – 20 years before needing maintenance, but should they be neglected, the mortar can begin to weaken and buckle – compromising its structural integrity.
In the case of missing mortar, the bricks may even begin to rub against each other, warping them and leading to further damage that will be costly to repair. If you notice any signs of chipping, cracking, flaking, or missing bits of mortar, consider hiring a professional to repair it during your next home improvement project.
Water And Moisture Damage
Another thing to keep an eye out for is water and moisture damage. Over time, moisture can seep into the bricks, leading to cracking and weakening. Additionally, the steel lintels that reinforce the structure may start to rust, harming the mortar and compromising the integrity of the structure.
Living in an area prone to flooding or major storms puts you at greater risk of damage from water and moisture penetrating and harming the brick and mortar, so keep an eye out for early signs and consider periodically hiring expert masons to inspect your property.
Bowed, Bulging, And Cracked Bricks
In addition to inspecting the mortar for signs of damage and deterioration, you must also pay attention to the state of the bricks. If a brick wall appears different from its original shape, it may be because there are bowed bricks. Furthermore, bulging and cracked bricks are also signs of compromised structural integrity, and they will require a professional mason to remove and repair the damage.
Environmental Damage
In addition to damage from natural disasters such as flooding and violent storms, freeze-and-thaw cycles can lead to wear within your home’s masonry. In the warmer and wet months of the year, moisture may seep into the brick, which will freeze in the winter. This causes the bricks to expand, damaging and weakening the masonry. You can avoid this by inspecting your property for signs of damage from a free-and-thaw cycle at the beginning of each season. If you see signs of wear, call for professional assistance.
Damage Inside Your Home
While you may think that deteriorating bricks and mortar may only affect the masonry directly, the damage from wear over time can also affect the interior of your home. If you have deformed windows, cracks in your plaster, can find moisture spots around your home, or feel unexpected drafts, there may be a compromise in your home’s masonry. If you notice any such signs of interior brick damage, contact an expert immediately.
Other Causes Of Damage
Other reasons that can lead to compromises in your masonry include vegetation, neglect, and incorrect repairs. If you are planning on renovating and improving your home, you should work with expert masons to inspect the masonry for signs of deterioration to avoid repairs in the future.
Work With Professionals
Masonry structures require special skills and tools to repair and restore, which is why you should work with professionals during your next home improvement project. At Turnbull Masonry, we offer quality masonry services, such as parging, tuckpointing, brick repair, and more, that you can rely on. To learn more about brick repair or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!