Brick and stonework look amazing when first installed, but they’re also incredibly durable, which makes them so popular for construction.
But over time, masonry can become prone to damage, due to exposure to the elements. This can cause it to lose its charm.
To extend the longevity of your brick structure, keep an eye out for damaged areas that can impact its strength.
Here are some common culprits behind masonry damage that you should be aware of:
1. Bowed Brick
Bowed brick is commonly referred to as “bulging brick.” This happens when the bricks in the outer wall stick outward or cave in. These “bulges” are a result of moisture seeping behind the bricks.
Moisture can cause bricks and mortar to either warp outward. It can even weaken the plaster or wood behind the brick, causing it to cave in.
This is bound to weaken the building’s structure and will need to be fixed.
Experienced masons will remove all the impacted bricks, evaluate the damage, before fixing the issue.
They will then replace the bricks that have been damaged due to the absorption of moisture. They will rebuild parts of the outer wall if needed as well.
2. Vertical Corner Cracks
Vertical cracks aren’t going to damage the building’s structure, but they can let in moisture, which can cause spalling. These cracks happen due to natural expansion, and can let rainwater seep into the building’s structure and possibly damage the inner wall.
Luckily, vertical corner cracks can be easily fixed; the cracks can be filled in using epoxy or a urethane injection. Masonry experts may even install expansion joints to reduce the natural expansion in the corners.
3. Compacted Bricks
Compacted bricks can be spotted quite easily because they lose their shape. Instead of retaining their rectangular form, compacted bricks become bowed and may form cracks.
Other than causing aesthetic problems, compacted bricks also create holes in the wall and spaces between adjacent bricks. The reduced pressure can loosen other bricks in the wall, weakening their structure.
One compacted brick is enough to damage surrounding bricks, so it’s best to have it repaired.
4. Spalling at the Shelf Angle
Shelf angles are long L-shaped metal pieces that are installed behind rows of bricks. The purpose of shelf angles is to distribute the weight of the bricks between the building and the ground.
Corrosion of the shelf angle may lead to spalling in the bricks, which compromise the strength of the structure.
Masonry experts will assess the shelf angle for signs or corrosion; if there isn’t much damage, they’ll simply replace spalled bricks. If there is significant corrosion, the shelf angle will need to be replaced.
AMN Masonry offers comprehensive masonry repairs that include brick and stone repointing, concrete repair, brownstone restoration, and more.
We also offer foundation waterproofing and commercial restoration services for buildings that have incurred water and mold damage.
If you’re in Boston, Framingham, Lexington, Newton, Waltham, and other nearby areas and require masonry or restoration services, call (774) 244-8248 today.