The term masonry refers to brick structures. Specifically, it refers to layering stone bricks with mortar joints in a manner that creates a strategic, well-built, and durable structure. For a home, masonry could be the house’s exterior wall, an internal wall, a statement piece in a living room or other part of the home, or a chimney.
Brick masonry repair and services are key to maintaining your home or building.
While masonry is an eye-catching and dependable building material, it can succumb to wear and tear through years of existing in the elements. To keep your masonry building in tip-top shape, it is important to understand the different issues that could necessitate repairs.
What are some common masonry issues that require repairs?
Even though masonry structures are valued for their durability and dependability, they still undergo conditions that require them to need repairs, including weather damage, settling, and cracks. While brand new masonry construction will not require repairs for years, it is important to keep your eye out for any discrepancies that could cause issues further down the road.
Below are some common concerns that every homeowner should monitor for.
Cracks
Cracks are one of the most universal issues that many brick structures face. This is when fissures appear in the mortar between the bricks but bricks themselves can crack as well. Cracks often appear as a result of settling or movement within the structure.
There are two types of cracking: vertical and horizontal. While vertical cracks are less worrisome, they should still be repaired if they become too prevalent. Contact a professional masonry contractor to evaluate the vertical cracks and advise you and the best course to move forward.
Horizontal cracks, on the other hand, can become severe rather quickly, resulting in the deterioration of entire sections of wall. These cracks should be repaired immediately by a professional, either through tuckpointing or complete reconstruction.
Damaged Joints
Masonry joints refer to the mortar between the bricks that hold them in place. Due to weather and water damage, these joints may begin to crumble, crack, gape open, or deteriorate. When this happens, the integrity of the masonry is damaged, weakening the entire structure and reducing stability.
If you notice deteriorated mortar, be sure to contact a professional to restore structural integrity and ensure your masonry stays standing for many years. Masonry professionals are also excellent at matching the color of new joints to existing ones for seamless uniformity.
Spalling
Spalling occurs when bricks, not the joints, begin to crumble and deteriorate. This occurs because of water damage. Bricks are porous so heavy rains introduce water which leads to spalling over time.
Also, during cold weather, water from snow can enter the bricks, freeze, and expand, which leads to further spalling. When spalling occurs, repairs may include fixing bricks, replacing entire bricks, as well as fixing damaged mortar joints.
Discoloration
While brick discoloration does not affect the integrity of masonry, it does affect its overall appearance, diminishing the appeal of the entire structure. Discoloration occurs due to a variety of reasons – humidity and excess water, fading from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, age, exposure to the elements, and incorrect products used when cleaning.
To fix this issue, general construction contractors specializing in masonry services have specific tools and cleaners to restore bricks and mortar to their original hue. Depending on the severity of the discoloration though, some bricks may need to be replaced.
Count on Professional Brick Masonry Services Near You
Regardless of the type of brick you use, masonry provides an elegant and appealing look to any home while enhancing durability. To preserve the integrity of the stone and keep your masonry looking its best for years, it is important to routinely review the structure, monitoring for any of the issues described above and make sure to ask a professional.
If you notice any cracks, spalling, damaged mortar joints, or discoloration, be sure to contact the pros at Primo Contracting in Rochester Hills to remedy the issue right away. Our brick masonry and construction services are unparallelled due to our extensive experience and skill that has been meeting the construction needs of homes and businesses throughout the Detroit Metro area for more than 20 years!