If maintained well, brick structures can last for many years! But with all the extreme weather conditions and temperatures that they endure, naturally over time bricks will age and damage. Today we will go over how to identify if your bricks are damaged.
Loose Bricks
Bricks that move out of places can be caused from water damage and weak mortar. This is not only an entry way for water and debris, but a major structural issue that can lead to a safety hazard. Call a professional mason out to help, you may only need a tuckpointing repair, but being ignored may cause a bigger problem.
Bowing and Leaning
In this extreme scenario, your brick walls will need a replacement. This is typically caused by moisture exposure, soil settlement, or ground movement. If you are noticing bowing or leaning in your brick wall, call out a professional mason right away for a brick restoration!
Uneven Surfaces
Uneven surfaces such as floors or foundation can cause cracking in your bricks. Generally caused by water damage, not only from weather, but your sprinkler or hose as well over time. If you notice any signs such as gaps between the floor, windows, or doors, then you will need to get your foundation worked on before further brick damages occur.
Discoloration
When bricks are exposed to water, chemicals, minerals, or the sun, they can change in color or shades. This can be the cause of underlying problems and should be addressed.
If your bricks are turning black, that is the sign of carbon, mold, algae, or lichen. Lichen can spread, weakening in your walls or mortar if not dealt with. Any of these causes can erode your brick structure, causing structural and costly damages.
Water Damage
Water damage is the cause of many masonry issues and is good to identify ASAP. In fact, all of the damages stated above can be the cause of water damage. Water stains, damp spots, and leaking are a few signs that your brick has water damage. It is important to repair any leaks or cracks to prevent larger costly damages not only to your brick structure, but potentially to your interior.
Spotting these signs can save you a lot of future costs and have your home or business looking aesthetic. Sometimes a repair can be done to save money up front, but a replacement will solve the issues for the long run. If you ever are unsure about the structure and health of your brick structure, call out a professional such as Kerry Tuckpointing so that they can determine the age and damages, providing the exact solution needed. We offer expert masonry services to all Chicago suburbs, including Oak Lawn, La Grange, Orland Park, Oak Forest, and the surrounding areas.
If you need brick repairs or restoration, contact us today!
Comments