Brick, renowned for its resilience, is one of the most durable building materials, capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and intense heat. However, brick may show signs of wear over time, especially when exposed to consistent water sources and outdoor elements.
While some of the damage may be purely aesthetic, it’s crucial to address more serious issues with brick masonry immediately to prevent costly structural damage.
Make sure to hire an expert contractor that specializes in brick masonry services.
Whether it’s your chimney, foundation, fire pit, patio, or any other brick structure on your property, you should seek masonry services to tackle these six problems as soon as they arise.
Cracks
Cracks in bricks are a significant issue that demands immediate attention. While not all cracks pose a threat, the appearance of large cracks, ⅛ inch or larger, could indicate a serious problem with your brick structure.
These are typically cracks that form step formations across several bricks and within the mortar. Whether these types of cracks form on your foundation or in your chimney, your structure could be at risk for collapse. It’s crucial to address these cracks promptly to prevent further damage.
With larger cracks, contractors may need to address the root of the problem and fix it before replacing the damaged bricks. Some larger cracks may result from foundation issues. Problems with the soil beneath the foundation may cause settling issues that create significant cracks.
Another problem that could cause significant cracks in your bricks may be related to the trees on your property. Large roots that interfere with your foundation may cause it to buckle, creating large cracks in the brick. Fixing these issues will be necessary before a brick contractor can replace the bricks.
Mortar Deterioration
Another primary concern you may have with your bricks is mortar deterioration. This issue happens when the mortar between your bricks erodes and falls out. As with cracks, this problem could put your brick structure at risk because if the mortar is missing, bricks may start falling out.
It can also allow water into your chimney or foundation, which can cause it to get into the structure and begin to cause mold and mildew to grow. If the mortar is missing from bricks, it is a good idea to have a contractor add new mortar and repoint it. This fix will stabilize the bricks and keep water out.
Missing Bricks
If you’re dealing with missing mortar, you’re likely to have a problem with missing bricks as well. Loose or completely absent mortar can cause bricks to loosen and fall out. If numerous bricks are missing, your brick structure is at risk of collapsing.
For instance, a chimney with several missing bricks could collapse, making it unsafe. A brick contractor can replace the missing bricks with new ones and ensure the structure is safe and structurally sound.
Efflorescence
If you notice a salty film developing on your brickwork, it is likely efflorescence. This issue develops over time as excess moisture seeps through the bricks and leaves mineral deposits, which could be white, gray, or brown. The salty buildup on the brick doesn’t spell immediate danger. However, if this issue continues to develop, it could jeopardize your brick structure.
Efflorescence tends to grow on bricks with problems with adequate water drainage. It’s crucial to fix the water flow problem to eliminate the growth of efflorescence on brick. After fixing the problem, a contractor can pressure wash the residue off the structure.
If the bricks sustained damage, such as missing mortar or cracks, a contractor can replace damaged bricks and mortar. By addressing the water flow issue, you can prevent efflorescence from causing further damage to your brick structure.
Spalling
Another problem you may experience that may be related to water issues is spalling. This condition occurs when water penetrates the brick and causes it to flake and fall off after repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles.
Finding the source of moisture will be necessary to get to the heart of this problem. Fixing the issue at the source will prevent it from happening again. Once this problem is solved, a brick contractor can replace these damaged bricks with new ones and replace missing mortar.
Moss and Algae
One final problem you’ll need to address immediately with your brick structure is the growth of moss or algae on it. Although the damage it causes to the bricks is gradual, it is still effective and will break down the mineral components in bricks, making them weak over time.
Moss and algae can also make bricks look unsightly. If this is a problem with your bricks, it is a good idea to pressure wash these microorganisms as quickly as possible. A sealant will help keep this from becoming a recurring problem.
Expert General Contractors and Masonry Services in Rochester Hills
Are you experiencing any of these problems with the brick wall, chimney, fireplace, or other brick structures on your property or business? The experts at Primo Contracting in Rochester Hills are the ones to call. Our general contracting and brick masonry services offer a wide range of services to include residential masonry, commercial masonry, masonry repairs, general contracting, facility management and more.
Building structures that are timeless, stunning and durable is what we’re all about, making sure to go beyond our customer’s expectations. Call and speak to a construction professional today.