Masonry can be found everywhere, from brick chimneys to walkways and concrete driveways. While durable, masonry structures need repair and restoration on occasion.
Masonry Repair Charleston SC involves fixing building sections with cracks, crumbling bricks, and discoloration (which indicates moisture). This process involves masons filling in holes, repairing deteriorated mortar, and matching materials so the new work blends seamlessly with the existing structure.
Cracked or chipped bricks are not only unsightly, but they can lead to a variety of other problems. In particular, if the masonry is exposed to water, the cracks can expand and cause more damage. This is why it’s important to address these problems as soon as possible.
Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to repair it yourself with a bit of time and patience. If the problem is significant, however, it’s a good idea to work with a foundation repair professional. They’ll be able to determine whether or not the cracking is due to foundation movement, and they’ll be able to take into account other factors such as the size and location of the crack, its age, and the materials in use.
In order to repair a cracked or chipped brick, first brush away any loose material with a soft-bristled brush. This will help to remove any stray dust or dirt from the surface of the brick and to prepare it for mortar. Once the area is clean, lightly mist it with a spray bottle (optional) to keep the surrounding bricks from absorbing the new mortar too quickly.
Once the mortar is mixed, a small amount should be applied to the crack and the damaged brick. Press firmly and tap gently with a wooden block to ensure that the mortar bond is strong. If you’re repairing a large area, it’s usually best to build up the mortar in layers no thicker than 20mm, allowing each layer to cure before applying another.
While most brick masonry structures are resilient and can last for decades, some types of brick are prone to spalling. Spalling is a type of degradation in which the face of the brick begins to pit, flake or crumble away from the rest of the masonry. The process typically starts as small crevices that enlarge, often over time, until the entire face of the brick is disintegrating.
The most common reason for spalling brick is moisture penetration, which can happen in several ways. Moisture can seep into the brick through deficient mortar joints, or it can find its way into the structure through the tops of cement chimney caps that are compromised. In addition, bricks can experience expansion and contraction, causing the surface to shrink and expand in different directions at different times.
Crumbling Mortar
Brick is one of the most durable and attractive masonry materials available, but front-facing bricks are often exposed to direct sunlight, high winds, rain, snow, and more. All of these conditions can affect your brick wall’s underlying mortar, leading to its deterioration and eventual crumbling. To preserve your brick’s beauty and longevity, the underlying mortar must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
The first step in repairing crumbling mortar is to remove all traces of old, loose, and falling mortar from the gaps between your bricks. This process is called repointing and can be done with either a hand chisel or a hammer-powered tool that has a tuck point blade. This process should be completed carefully and thoroughly to avoid damaging the existing brick.
After the old mortar is removed, a masonry professional can select and prepare the proper mortar mix for your brick wall. The mortar should be a type that is compatible with the original brick composition and the local climate conditions. Specialized companies can even analyze samples of your old mortar to create a custom-blend for your repair project.
Once the proper mortar is selected, the mason can begin filling the gaps in your brick wall. This process is known as tuck-pointing and should be performed in small sections at a time to maintain control over the mortar’s consistency. After filling each joint, the mason should use a tuck-pointing trowel to smooth and compact the new mortar. This step is important because it helps the mortar blend in with the existing mortar and give your brickwork a polished look.
A final step in tuck-pointing is to brush diagonally over the newly-applied mortar to remove any excess and create a clean appearance. To help the mortar cure properly, your mason should continue to mist the area daily for at least three days after completing the repair.
Holes or pits in your brick’s mortar can be a sign of pest infestation. Masonry bees burrow holes into brick walls to build their nests, so it is important to inspect and identify a problem early in order to prevent major structural damage.
Brick Discoloration
Brick is a classic material for many outdoor features, including additions to buildings, firepits and fireplaces, facades and side paneling. However, brick is not indestructible and is vulnerable to damage from weather elements and environmental pollutants. This can cause discoloration, stains and faded color over time. Fortunately, many of these problems can be solved with the right cleaning and masonry repairs.
Moisture-related problems, such as efflorescence (white salt deposits on the surface of brick), mold and mildew, can all cause discoloration and deterioration of your building’s exterior. It’s best to incorporate routine visual inspections of your brickwork into your maintenance schedule so that these problems can be identified early and repaired before they become too severe.
Staining is another common problem with brick masonry. If your brick has red stains, it is likely caused by iron oxidation, also known as rust. This staining can be caused by moisture that penetrates through mortar joints and brick itself. It can also occur when air conditioning units and other metal objects are positioned against the masonry and rub against it, causing rust to form over time.
Other stains on brick can be caused by organic growth, such as moss and lichen, or by biocides, such as insecticides and herbicides. These stains can be difficult to remove and require professional masonry services, particularly if they are left untreated for extended periods of time.
Lastly, water stains can cause significant discoloration of bricks, especially here in Fort Worth where the weather is often very dry. These stains can appear as white areas on the surface of your brick and may even be accompanied by a powdery appearance. Usually, these stains are caused by the buildup of salts from hard water, and they can be dissolved with the help of a professional.
Stains on brick walls can be very unsightly and are a sign of poor brick maintenance or incorrect cleaning methods. In some cases, trying to remove a stain with the wrong chemicals can make your brick look worse! Always work with a reputable professional to ensure your masonry is clean and safe for the public.
Leaning Walls
Leaning walls are a serious structural issue that must be addressed immediately to ensure the safety and stability of your home or commercial property. Left unchecked, these issues can cause major damage and threaten the integrity of your building. A bowed or leaning wall can also become dangerous to the people who live or work in your structure.
Bowing and leaning basement walls are a result of pressure from soil expanding and contracting, which can shift foundation walls over time. Fortunately, there are several effective solutions that can restore the strength of your home’s foundation and prevent future leaning.
The first step in repairing a leaning wall is to determine the reason behind the lean. A faulty foundation design or construction, soil conditions, and even weather can lead to leaning. For instance, if a brick wall is built on unstable ground or is too tall for the available space, it will likely begin to crack and lean. In addition, moisture, pests, and erosion can eat away at studs, floor joists, or masonry that keep the foundation strong, causing it to bow.
Other common signs of a failing foundation include stairstep cracks, bulging or uneven surfaces, and gaps at the wall joint. These issues indicate that pressure is being exerted on the foundation walls from outside, and that you should contact a professional for immediate repairs.
A reputable masonry repair service will assess the cause of your bowed walls and recommend the most effective solution for your needs. These solutions may include wall anchors or carbon fiber straps, which help to distribute pressure, straighten the walls, and protect them from further damage.
A helical tieback anchor is a great option for repairing leaning walls because it can be installed quickly and effectively in any type of soil. The installation process begins by drilling a hole in the soil next to the affected wall. Then, a rod is inserted into the hole and connected to a plate inside the wall. The helix of the anchor is then rotated to pull the wall back into shape and restore its stability.