Stone houses are traditionally thought to be durable, and this is generally true; however, stone homes are still susceptible to natural factors that cause damage. Erosion, frost, and gradual deterioration can all become issues over time if they are not addressed by a professional. The most common structures to require stone masonry repair are walls, floors, patios, chimneys, walkways, and any structure that might suffer water damage.
Deteriorating stone should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid greater damage to the entire structure. Do it yourself stone masonry repair should be avoided because while they might save costs in the beginning, incorrect repairs cause further damage that is more expensive to repair in the grand scheme of things. Stonemasonry contractors are the best option for repairs because the results are quality and long-lasting.
Stone Masonry Repair Issues
It is important to be educated on the issues that can arise with stone masonry structures, as this will help you identify damage in time to make the repairs. Here are some damages to look for:
- Stone decay. This is common in many areas in the home. It can happen to stone chimneys from smoke exposure and the chemicals released by gas and coal combustion. It is also caused by gutter and pipe leaks, as excess moisture can weaken the stone.
- Plant growth. Plants and moss often grow in the open creases of stone. As their roots begin to expand, the stone suffers severe damage.
- Rusting metal. This occurs where metal cramps are used in conjunction with stonework. When the metal rusts, it expands. This can cause the stone to break. Using rustproof metal is the best way to avoid this problem.
- Vertical corner cracks in walls. This issue is not the most serious or the most common, but it can become an issue during heavy rain. Water invades the cracks, often damaging the inner walls.
- Mortar deterioration. When the material holding the bricks together deteriorates, the stones gain mobility and rub against one another. This causes damage but is easily fixed by replacing or adding mortar.
These are the most important signs of damage that you should look for, as they risk a damaged foundation. If you see signs of damage, call a professional stonemason. You might be tempted to fix the problem yourself, but we can tell you from experience that do it yourself stone masonry repairs often end in disaster that is much costlier than the original repair would have been. Save yourself the time and money and get professional quality results through expert stone masonry repair.
