6 Signs Your Building Has Masonry Issues

How Important is Masonry’s Health?

Masonry is one of the most important aspects of your home. It is the outer layer that protects your home from the elements and provides a sturdy foundation. Well-maintained masonry is essential to the health of your building.

Most masonry issues in Canada are caused by settlement. Settlement occurs when the ground underneath your home shifts. This can be due to a number of factors, including the thawing and freezing cycle. When the ground freezes, it expands and puts pressure on your foundation. When it thaws, it contracts and can cause your foundation to settle.

Cracks, damage, or buckling can lead to a host of problems, including water damage, structural issues, and even mold growth. That’s why it’s so important to have well-maintained masonry. Regular inspections and repairs can help prevent serious problems in the future.

Vertical Corner Cracks

If you’re noticing vertical cracks in the corners of your building’s masonry, you’re likely experiencing an issue with expansion. As your home settles, the masonry expands and contracts to accommodate the changes. This can cause cracks, especially in the corners where the expansion is the greatest. There are also some other possible causes of these cracks, which we will discuss further.

If the cracks are due to natural expansion and contraction, they can often be fixed with epoxy injection to fill the cracks. Epoxy is a strong, durable material that can resist the forces that caused the cracks in the first place.

If the cracks are due to settlement, the best solution is to install an expansion joint. An expansion joint is a gap that is left in the masonry during construction. This gap allows the masonry to expand and contract without cracking.

If the cracks are due to poorly compacted fill material or shrinkage of the masonry unit, the best solution is to remove and replace the damaged masonry. This is a more involved repair, but it will ensure that the cracks do not return.

If you’re not sure what is causing the cracks in your masonry, it’s best to consult with a professional. They will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.

Mortar Deterioration

Mortar deterioration is caused by a number of factors, including exposure to moisture and extreme weather conditions. Over time, this can cause the mortar to break down and crumble, which can lead to serious damage to your building.

If you suspect that your home is suffering from mortar deterioration, it’s important to get in touch with a professional as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the damage and advise you on the best course of action.

The first step will be to assess the damage and determine whether you need to replace or reinforce the mortar. In some cases, simply repointing or tuckpointing the mortar can be enough to repair the damage and prevent further deterioration.

Bulging Bricks

Bulging bricks are caused by moisture that has gotten into the bricks and expanded, causing the bricks to push outwards. This can create a number of problems, including cracks in the bricks and mortar, and even structural damage to your home.

The first thing you need to do is call a masonry professional. They will come out and take a look at the issue, and determine what is causing the bulging. It could be something as simple as the ground settling, or it could be a more serious issue like water damage.

Once the mason has determined the cause of the bulging, they will be able to fix it. In most cases, the fix is relatively simple and will not take long. However, if the issue is more serious, it may require more work.

Compacted Bricks

Compacted bricks are a common problem that can occur when bricks are improperly installed or when the ground around them settles. This can cause the bricks to shift and become misshapen. In some cases, the bricks may even crack or crumble.

If you notice that your bricks are starting to lose their shape, it’s important to take action right away. Otherwise, the problem will only get worse.

If you have compacted bricks, you will need to hire a masonry repair service to replace the affected brick. The masonry repair service will also need to inspect the rest of the bricks in your home to ensure that they are properly supported and that the mortar is in good condition.

Algae Growth

One of the biggest issues with masonry is the growth of algae. Algae loves warm, humid conditions, and it can quickly take over a masonry surface. Not only does it look unsightly, but it can also cause the masonry to deteriorate.

There are a few things you can do to prevent algae growth on your masonry. First, make sure the surface is clean and free of dirt and debris. Second, apply a sealer to the masonry. This will create a barrier that will prevent algae from taking hold.

If you already have algae growth on your masonry, you’ll need to remove it. This can be done with pressure washing or a stiff brush. Be sure to scrub the surface thoroughly to remove all the algae. Once the algae are gone, be sure to apply a sealer to prevent it from coming back.

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a condition that affects masonry structures due to the presence of sulfate-bearing salts. These salts are naturally present in the environment and can be introduced to the masonry through rainwater or groundwater. Efflorescence can also be caused by the use of certain cleaning products or sealants that contain sulfates.

While efflorescence is not harmful to the masonry itself, it can be unsightly and difficult to remove. If left untreated, efflorescence can lead to the degradation of the masonry over time.

There are a few things that you can do to prevent efflorescence from occurring on your masonry. First, make sure that any cleaning products or sealants you use do not contain sulfates. Second, ensure that your masonry is properly sealed and waterproofed. Finally, if you live in an area with high levels of sulfates in the groundwater, you may need to have your masonry treated with a special coating that prevents efflorescence.

If you are already dealing with efflorescence on your masonry, there are a few things you can do to remove it. First, try scrubbing the affected area with a stiff brush and a mild detergent. If this does not work, you can try using a weak acid solution to remove the efflorescence. However, you should only use this method if you are sure that the masonry is not damaged. If the efflorescence is still present after these methods have been tried, you may need to consult a professional for further assistance.