4 Visible Signs Your House Needs Brick Replacement and Repair Service
If your house is built of brick, concrete or stone walls, you will need masonry services at some point. Exposure to various harsh elements deteriorates the walls over time. The worn-out walls not only affect the curb appeal of the building but are dangerous.
An ignored wall crack can be the telltale sign of unfortunate sudden collapses. It is one of the primary duties of a homeowner to maintain healthy brick wall structures. The key to wall maintenance is to be able to identify the issue before it gets serious.
The distress signs are easy to identify but only when you have the background knowledge. So, the inspections, brick replacement, and repair are essential for your safety.
Here is how to tell your house needs the masonry services. Look for the following 4 signs in your house especially after severe weather conditions.
1. Bowed Walls
A bowed wall is a key indicator of the unhealthy brick wall system. You should pay attention to wall repair if you see it bowed, especially at the parapet level. The clay-fired bricks come from kilns and they are completely dried out.
The bricks tend to absorb moisture and increase in length. If there are no proper relief joints, the expansion of bricks can put considerable pressure on the wall corners. It can even occur in new construction.
2. Efflorescence
If you see portions of the brick wall covered with a powdery white substance, the wall system is not drying out completely. This phenomenon is known as an efflorescence in masonry.
When the wall is not drying properly the salts and dissolved substances get deposited on the wall surface. The brick absorbs the moisture along will salt from the surrounding mortar. The efflorescence is mostly caused by debris clogging the drainage cavity or mortar droppings.
Leaking pipes, faulty copings, and flashings are other common reasons for the salt deposits. If ignored, mold growth can ruin the wall in no time and it may suddenly collapse.
3. Diagonal Cracking
Diagonal cracks, especially at the corner of the windows are clear indications you need masonry services. The sagging in the middle of the window headers may be another sign of wall damage.
The most common culprit of the diagonal cracking is the deterioration of the supporting wall shelves. These support angles are generally made up of steel and are attached to the concrete frames. Excess moisture can corrode these support systems and you may see the cracks.
4. Missing Mortar Joints
If your house is older than twenty years, your house is at greater risk of mortar joint damages. The joints are weaker than the brick blocks and therefore it wears off earlier than the bricks.
Building owners should anticipate the mortar joint repairs after about 15-20 years of new construction. As the Portland cement is being used for construction, the thick mortar can lead to spalling of brick edges. Hire a reputable Brick Repair Company to ensure your safety.