While brick structures are beautiful, unique, and long-lasting, that doesn’t mean nature can’t utilize on them—it does with time.
For example, as the ground shifts or settles, it can disrupt your brick structure integrity, affecting the entire structure. As a result, your structure may have cracks or bulges.
When you notice such changes on your brick structure, contact a professional masonry company such as D’Angelo and Sons straightaway to prevent further damage.
These professionals will assess the situation and recommend the best solution. Consider visiting their website to learn more about the services they offer.
Meanwhile, here are six tell-tale signs that you need a brick repair.
1. Bulging Bricks
They’re also known as bowing bricks, which occur when a brick segment caves in or out. Bulging bricks can take place on several building components, including foundation walls, chimneys, or external walls.
This is due to excessive moisture forming behind the bricks. Since moisture is among the most common factors affecting bricks’ integrity and water damage is the costliest to deal with, it’s vital to contain the situation as soon as it’s determined.
A professional mason removes the affected bricks to determine the cause and progress of bulging. If the damage isn’t severe or only requires a little touch, they correct it accordingly to minimize your property damage.
However, if the moisture is caused by a severe plumbing issue, they’ll most likely to work closely with a reputable plumber to resolve this matter.
After the cause of moisture is dealt with, the mason will replace damaged bricks and rebuild the affected section of the wall. For a natural look, the mason will ensure that the new bricks match the non-damaged segment structure.
2.Staining
Anyone who owns brick building can attest to the fact that staining is common. Brick staining, also referred to as efflorescence, occurs when the concrete absorbs the salt from the ground and expels it through the outer pores.
Then, a white stain forms on the bricks after the salt is expelled. This can also result from low temperatures, dew, or precipitation.
Unlike other signs, staining isn’t a severe case. Nevertheless, cleaning the bricks after the stains have formed is advisable. This can be done with the help of pressure washer.
Moreover, you can hire a mason to remove the stains from the concrete using suitable chemicals.
3.Compacted Bricks
Just like bulging bricks, compacted bricks cause a warping effect on a brick structure.
However, they don’t always refer to displaced bricks but rather to those that have lost shape. Since compacted bricks interfere with the bricks’ integrity, the structure will inevitably lack the required strength.
Additionally, it’s important to note that compacted bricks provide an ideal entrance for water and pests. Therefore, fixing this issue as soon as possible is vital unless you’re ready to deal with a more severe case.
Compacted bricks are repaired by replacing the affected ones. A mason can also recommend incorporating additional support by underpinning the structure with push piers.
4. Motor Damage And Deterioration
Bricks’ stability relies on the motor. Once the motor isn’t in good shape or is deteriorating, it causes friction between the bricks. As a result, the bricks lose their shape or become loose.
In this case, the bricks will not only jeopardize the structure’s stability but they can also cause personal injuries if you come into contact with the wall.
To avoid such incidents, have the motor repaired or replaced as soon as possible. The motor repair should be conducted by a trained and experienced individual.
Such a professional has better tools and knowledge to complete the task successfully without hurting themselves or the structure. A professional mason will also repair the motor in a way that corresponds the rest of the structure.
5.Cracks
Bricks and stones will eventually crack. Nevertheless, cracks over 30 degrees should be repaired immediately since they can cause the structure to collapse.
While cracks might not always lead to a structure’s collapse, they can weaken it. If there are cracks in your brick structure, it’s advisable to consult with a mason to determine the best solution.
6.Interior Damage
Deteriorating masonry can cause interior damage. Therefore, watch out for plaster cracks, moisture on the walls, or deformed windows and immediately call a mason. You never know when these signs will indicate that your masonry requires professional attention.
Conclusion
When a brick structure requires repair, it doesn’t go unnoticed. You’ll see differences on your walls, such as those discussed above. Fortunately, these signs are easy to spot.
Therefore, when you notice them, your structure will less likely to be severely damaged.
However, if you don’t seek help to correct the issues in your structure, you might deal with a more severe issue later. That said, always check for signs of brick repair and act immediately.
