Masonry Repair Charleston SC, involves repairing a building’s brick or stone façade. It can also include restoring masonry structures, which are much larger projects than repairs and require careful attention to detail.
Masonry constructions are incredibly durable, but natural wear and tear can cause them to break down over time. Look out for signs of masonry damage, such as missing mortar, cracks, or efflorescence.
Masonry is a construction technique that uses bricks and stones to create buildings. It’s a very durable method, but it can be subject to deterioration over time from harsh weather conditions and general wear and tear. If you’re noticing cracks in your brick walls, it’s important to have them checked out by a professional masonry repair company immediately. The team at Turnbull Masonry has the tools and expertise to fix any cracked brick walls you may have, leaving them looking brand new!
There are many types of cracks in masonry structures, and the size and location of the crack can determine how it should be repaired. For example, suppose the crack is confined to the actual masonry and doesn’t extend into the mortar in between. In that case, it can be easily repaired by cleaning the area around the crack, widening it slightly (if necessary), and then filling the crack with a specialized masonry repair caulk or mortar.
If the crack is extending into the mortar in between the bricks, it’s often more difficult to repair and requires more intensive work. This type of crack can be caused by a variety of factors, including moisture changes and underlying issues with the foundation of the structure. Masonry experts will take all of these factors into consideration when assessing the structure and developing a plan for its repair.
Another common type of crack in masonry structures is a step-like fracture. This type of crack is typically the result of sulfate weakening the brick mortar joints, and it can be prevented by finding out the sulfate content of the materials used during construction. If you’re noticing step-like cracks in your brick wall, it’s a good idea to have them inspected by a professional masonry repair service right away.
If the cracks in your brick wall are extending into the foundation of the building, it’s a sign that the foundation needs to be repaired. This is a complex project and should be left to a qualified masonry contractor. They will remove and replace any damaged bricks and crumbling mortar, using matching materials to ensure the finished look is flawless.
Loose Bricks
Brick is a hardy building material, but even it needs maintenance to keep it looking good and functioning well. One of the primary functions of mortar is to protect brick, so it’s important that any masonry repairs include replacing old or damaged mortar joints as needed. This is called tuckpointing and should be done at the first sign of trouble. When not repaired, this damage can cause further issues, including loose or crumbling bricks.
Loose bricks are a common problem in exterior brick walls and structures, especially when the surrounding brick is older. Fluctuations in temperature can cause the mortar to shrink and pull away from the brick, leaving a gap between the bricks. This is more common in outdoor structures that are exposed to heavy traffic, such as brick steps and patios.
If you have a few loose bricks on your exterior wall, you can fix them by cleaning out the existing mortar and using an angle grinder to cut back any excess mortar around the edge of the brick. Then, you can apply a fresh coat of mortar to the area and press in a new brick into place. You’ll have to blend the mortar lines and keep it moist and protected from the elements for a few days, but your brick surface will look great and be safe for use.
It’s best to contact a professional masonry company for this type of repair, since a mason will know how much the brick should be removed and will be able to ensure that the hole is big enough for a replacement. They’ll also know how to prepare the area for a new brick, and how to mix the mortar to the proper consistency.
It’s also a good idea to hire a mason for this type of repair in the winter, when cold weather slows reaction times and makes working with mortar more difficult. While you may be tempted to put off this type of work until spring, doing so can exacerbate the issue and possibly lead to further structural problems with the brick and masonry structure.
Efflorescence
If you’ve noticed white, powdery blotches on brick surfaces inside or outside your home, it could be a sign of efflorescence. This is a common masonry problem caused by the migration of salts to surface areas of porous masonry materials such as brick, concrete and stone. It’s typically a harmless and temporary issue, but it can pose potential structural problems if it occurs over an extended period of time.
Efflorescence results when moisture infiltrates the masonry material and dissolves the soluble salts present within it. When the water migrates to surface areas and evaporates, it leaves behind these crystalline salt deposits on the surface. This is the reason that masonry structures are more susceptible to the formation of efflorescence than other building materials, such as wood.
There are several triggers that can lead to the appearance of efflorescence on a brick or masonry surface, including:
Moisture is one of the primary causes of efflorescence, as it is what initiates the migration of salts to the surface of the masonry material. The moisture may be introduced during construction due to water that penetrates the structure, or it can result from precipitation or humidity levels. In addition, temperature fluctuations and freeze-thaw cycles can contribute to the appearance of efflorescence on masonry surfaces.
The best way to prevent the appearance of efflorescence is to ensure that your masonry structure is well-draining. This can be accomplished by ensuring that the soil surrounding the structure has adequate drainage, and by installing capillary breaks in masonry foundation walls.
It’s also a good idea to rinse brick and masonry structures regularly with water, particularly when it’s been raining. Using a hose to spray down brick and masonry surfaces can help reduce the likelihood of the build-up of salts and other minerals that cause efflorescence.
In the event that you’ve experienced significant or extensive efflorescence, it’s important to contact a reputable masonry repair company like Avenue Road Roofing for an inspection and expert advice. Our brick and masonry specialists have the skills and expertise to quickly diagnose the source of your masonry issues and recommend effective and lasting solutions.
Structural Damage
Masonry is one of the sturdiest and most durable construction materials available. But it’s not indestructible, and sooner or later every building will experience some degree of masonry damage. If you notice any signs of damage to your brick or stone building, it’s important to have it fixed as soon as possible before the problem gets worse.
Masonry repair is a process of fixing the cracks and chips in brick and mortar that occur over time. These problems are often caused by weather, but they can also be due to improper installation or maintenance. Masonry repairs can include caulking, sand-patching and concrete filling. They may also involve replacing bricks or stones that are no longer structurally sound.
One common sign of masonry damage is spalling, which happens when the edges of bricks begin to loosen from their mortar. This occurs because of moisture buildup, and it’s a serious issue that should be addressed immediately. Spalling can lead to further deterioration of the brick structure and even threaten the safety of anyone walking by.
Another common cause of masonry damage is water infiltration. This is a huge problem for many buildings because it can lead to mold growth, wood rot and structural damage. This type of damage is usually due to poorly installed or maintained gutters and downspouts, but it can also be caused by leaky windows, faulty flashing or damaged lintels.
Finally, a major cause of masonry damage is erosion. This is especially true for older structures that haven’t been repaired or maintained in a long time. Erosion can destroy the underlying structure of a building, making it unsafe for habitation.
Keeping up with regular masonry upkeep can greatly extend the lifespan of your brick and stone building. Preventative maintenance can include cleaning the structure, sealing cracks, applying waterproof coatings and scheduling monthly inspections. A professional masonry contractor can help you develop a plan for your specific structure that will keep it in good condition.