Are You Noticing Damp Bricks On Your Chicago Property?

If you notice damp bricks at the bottom of your house or business, especially close to the foundation,  this could be a serious threat to your masonry. Not only does it ruin the overall look of your property, but damp bricks can weaken the base which will lead to structural issues and potential health hazards such as black mold growth, harming the stability and value of your property. In this blog, we will be explaining some common questions and answers on your damp bricks.

Visual Signs of Damp Bricks

Discoloration, staining, and structural weakening are common visual signs of damp bricks in your masonry. Stains and dark patches on your brick walls will be a clear indicator of moisture within the masonry. 

Cause of Damp Bricks

Groundwater seepages, capillary action, a bad drainage system, and faulty damp-proof courses can all cause damp bricks. Drainage that was designed poorly will lead to water flooding around your foundation, while groundwater seepage weakens the actual brick masonry.

Maintenance and Repair to the Property

Property masonry maintenance to the external bricks will ensure protection from any unwanted brick dampness causing damage to your property’s masonry. Any damage to the exterior of your property will need to be repaired quickly by a licensed mason. For example, if your home or business has cracks in the walls, and you got your masonry repaired, then the brickwork is now protected from water causing damp bricks.

Apply Waterproofing Coating to Brick Walls

Brick masonry is not fully waterproofed, making the bricks vulnerable to becoming weak and damp. Waterproofing brickwork is one of the most common solutions to stopping water from penetrating the outer bricks of your property, so this is something you can look into applying for your home or business. Waterproofing brickwork can be easily applied to almost any property and is a great way to provide protection from damp bricks in your masonry. 

Cavity Wall Insulation

Cavity wall insulation can also cause brick dampness within your masonry and if your property is exposed to windy, wet weather or has poorly constructed walls, then your bricks will eventually become damp. When cavity wall insulation becomes wet, your home will become damp, and mold will grow .At this point, cavity wall extraction is essential.

Installation of a New Damp Proof Course

If your home or business has damp bricks, then one of the most common reasons is that the damp proof course is not functioning correctly. You will need an expert to install a new damp proof course in order to stop water from penetrating your brickwork & masonry. Contact Kerry Tuckpointing for a free quote today!

Hopefully you now have a clear idea of the causes and some solutions to damp brickwork. While most of the solutions will need to be completed by a qualified professional, you can do your part in regularly checking for damp bricks to make sure your home or business is protected. If you need maintenance or repair for your damp brick, contact Kerry Tuckpointing today for a free quote! We service all of Chicagoland and surrounding towns such as West Lawn, Tinley Park, Worth, and more!