Generally speaking, brick buildings and stone buildings are extremely durable, and they can last for ages before the internal structure needs to be replaced. However, that is not to say problems do not arise. Masonry problems are abundant, and once there are serious issues with your walls or chimney, you will have to call a masonry repair service to let them deal with them.
Some problems in masonry repair are actually more prevalent than others. To help you find the best course of action to take, here are the basic information regarding 3 common masonry problems that you will often face.
Vertical cracks that run along a corner
Cracks are abundant in masonry repair, but if there’s a crack that runs vertically, then there might be a serious issue. Usually, the first thing you will notice is a vertical crack near the corner of a wall section. Surprisingly, the structural integrity of the building itself isn’t the culprit, but the soil is to blame. In the dry season, the soil around your corner will become dry and weak, which will seriously affect this section of the wall, and even your foundation. A weak foundation runs a risk of collapsing, so it’s best that you call your masonry repair expert as soon as possible.
Bulging bricks
Bulging bricks means that one or some of your bricks are not firmly affixed to the wall. They might be loose or disjointed. Why this happens varies from case to case, but the most common reasons including a high level of humidity between the brick and deteriorating mortar joints, allowing water too seep in and corrode the structure. Bulging brick is a serious problem and requires immediate attention, or else the entire section of the wall might become structurally weak.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is another water-related issue in masonry repair. When water vaporizes on your wall, it will often leave a deposit of crystallized salt on the surface. The salt will be a bit greyish in color and will have powdery texture. Efflorescence, by itself, does not really indicate a major structural issue with the wall, but if you care about the aesthetic value of your building, then you should not let efflorescence buildups become too dense. Furthermore, if efflorescence happens, then it’s possible that your humidity level is too high. It is best to hire a masonry repair expert to assist you in detecting any major problem, as you might not be equipped with the right tool for the job.
In general, most problems stem from overexposure to water, so if you could keep your walls dry most of the time, you will save yourself a lot of trouble.
Correctly identifying your problems is a crucial step for a successful masonry repair project. If you are facing an issue that is not the same as any of the ones described above, give us a shout! Our experts will gladly book an appointment and inspect your building to detect any problem with the masonry.
