Despite its strength and longevity, brick is a building material with hidden vulnerabilities. Many problems may arise over the years, from crumbling mortar joints to efflorescence and cracking. These problems can lead to significant structural damage, compromising a building’s integrity and safety.
What may seem like a minor blemish can be a symptom of a far more serious and costly underlying issue.
Ignoring these issues could put your brick structure and your family’s safety at risk.
A small crack that costs an average of $500 may turn into a full-scale restoration project that can exceed $20,000 if not addressed promptly. Here are some critical issues with your brick you’ll want to address right away to avoid costly problems later.
Efflorescence
Is there any harm in seeing some salt forming on brick structures in or around your home? The answer is a resounding yes. Although the white powdery patches that may form on your brick may seem harmless, they can be a sign that something is structurally wrong.
The most common problem associated with efflorescence is poor drainage. When water is not able to flow away from the brick structure as it should, it will pool into the soil near it. This inability for water to escape will build up over time, causing the soil to become heavy and eventually exert pressure on the brick structure.
One of the signs of this structural issue is the presence of a white, powdery substance on sections of the brick.
Bowing
Another issue that may arise, which needs your immediate attention, is bowing. Efflorescence may be present in the case of bowing, but this is not always the case. Sometimes, bowing can occur, and the only thing you’ll notice is that the brick structure in or around your home is forming a convex shape.
Left unresolved, bowing brick may compromise your home’s structure or another structure where brick exists on your property.
Spalling
Spalling is minor chips or flakes on the surface of a brick. While this may not seem detrimental to your brick structure, if it continues over time, it may compromise the integrity of your brickwork. Spalling usually occurs as a result of moisture infiltration. The buildup of moisture weakens the brick, making it crumbly to the touch.
Cracks
Another significant issue your bricks may have is cracks. Some cracks may form from the settling of the brick structure over the years. Shifts in the soil underneath the brick structure result in cracking. Some cracks may be cosmetic and able to be fixed with minimal effort.
However, some cracks may be severe, especially if the size of the crack is wider than ⅛ inches. These cracks could indicate that pressure from water-infused soil is damaging the structure. It could also suggest that there are problems with the foundation that should be addressed.
Missing or Loose Bricks
This should go without saying, but missing or loose bricks in your home or exterior brick structure need attention right away. The strength of a brick structure comes from its interlocking system of brick and mortar. If bricks are loose or missing, this could jeopardize a brick structure, making it susceptible to full or partial collapse.
The dangers of missing or loose bricks become even more complex when the brick structure is a load-bearing wall. This may lead to the collapse of an entire building and subsequent injuries to people within the home or passing by.
Brick & Masonry Repair in Rochester Hills — Tuckpointing, Cracks, Chimneys
Have you noticed any of these issues with the brick walls or structures in or around your home or building? Call Primo Contracting in Rochester Hills today. Our brick masonry and construction services are unmatched and long-lasting. We address everything from crack repair and tuckpointing to chimney and lintel replacement, block wall foundations and more. As a trusted and proven masonry contractor for more than twenty years, your brickwork is in good hands. Book your Free Estimate today.