Ignoring These Signs Could Result in Costly Masonry Repairs

Why Ignoring Signs Could Result in Costly Masonry Repairs

Ignoring the signs of masonry damage can result in costly repairs for several reasons.

• The longer you wait to address the problem, the worse it will become. What might start as a small crack in the brick or mortar joint can quickly become major structural damage. When left untreated, cracks can allow water to seep into the structure, causing even more damage.
• Ignoring the signs of masonry damage can lead to safety hazards. When the structural integrity of a masonry structure is compromised, it can collapse or cause other problems that can pose a risk to the occupants of the building.
• Ignoring the signs of masonry damage can lead to decreased property value. A building with visible signs of wear or neglect will have a lower value than a well-maintained property.

Signs that Should Not Be Ignored

Now that we have discussed why ignoring the signs of masonry damage is a bad idea, let’s look at the signs indicating you need repair.

Cracking or Chipping of Bricks or Stones

The cracking or chipping of bricks or stones is one of the most visible signs of masonry damage. Over time, masonry structures can develop cracks for various reasons, such as age, weathering, or foundation settling. Poor workmanship or improper installation of masonry can also lead to cracks. Ignoring these cracks can cause them to widen, weaken the structure, and potentially cause safety hazards. It is essential to address the cracking or chipping of bricks or stones immediately before they become more significant problems and lead to costly repairs.

Loose and Crumbling Mortar Joints

Mortar joints are the spaces between the bricks or stones that are filled with mortar to hold them in place. Over time, these joints can become loose, cracked or fall out completely. This weakening of the mortar joints often occurs due to the aging and weathering of the structure or poor quality of workmanship.

When mortar joints deteriorate and become loose, they no longer serve to seal and protect the masonry. Water and moisture can now seep easily into the walls and foundation, causing the bricks and stones to rot, decay and split apart over time.

If left unaddressed, loose and crumbling mortar joints can lead to costly repairs like repointing joints, replacing damaged materials or, in severe cases, reconstruction of sections of the masonry. It is best to inspect masonry structures regularly for any signs of loose, missing or deteriorating mortar joints and repoint or replace them as needed to prevent water damage and preserve the overall integrity of the building.

Staining on Walls or Floors

Staining on the walls or floors of a masonry structure often indicates water damage. When water seeps into the masonry over time, it can cause discoloration or staining, especially as it evaporates. These stains can appear as dark patches on the walls and floors.

While small stains may not seem like a cause for concern, they are a warning sign that water is getting into areas where it does not belong. If left unaddressed, this can lead to severe water damage as the water continues to penetrate deeper into the structure.

Water damage causes problems like crumbling mortar joints, peeling paint, flooring damage and mold growth. Mold growth, in particular, can be a health hazard in concentrated or undisturbed areas. The growth of mold also destroys structural materials as it spreads further into the masonry.

To prevent the expansion of water damage and additional repair costs, any signs of staining should be investigated immediately to determine the source of water entry. Making temporary fixes or sealing surface stains is insufficient if the underlying issues are not addressed.

Repairing water damage early on is crucial to limit the scope of the damage. Small stains today can lead to hefty remediation costs in the form of structural repairs or even partial reconstruction tomorrow if left unheeded. Conducting regular inspections and taking the necessary actions at the first sign of leaks or staining will help preserve the integrity and safety of your home.

Leaning Chimneys or Walls

Leaning chimneys, walls, or other vertical masonry surfaces can indicate a serious loss of structural integrity. A leaning wall or chimney means that the foundation supporting it is no longer stable and secure and has started to settle or shift. This is a dangerous situation that threatens the safety and stability of the entire structure.

Foundations are critical for supporting the weight of vertical masonry elements like chimneys, walls and towers. When a foundation compromises, it can no longer properly anchor these vertical surfaces and prevent them from toppling over. If left unaddressed, a leaning chimney or wall could eventually collapse, causing damage to property, injury or even loss of life.

Some signs to look for include walls or chimneys that are visibly off-plumb, cracks forming at the joints, foundations that have sunk on one side or multiple vertical surfaces leaning at odd angles. The leaning may be subtle initially but will worsen over time as the foundation continues crumbling. It requires specialized masonry and structural repair expertise to stabilize a compromised foundation and prevent further destabilization.

Stabilization often involves excavating around the foundation to assess the damage, then rebuilding or replacing damaged sections. Reinforcement with helical wall ties, stone buttresses, soil stabilization and regrading may also be needed. The sooner the issue is identified and addressed, the lower the cost to remedy. However, ignoring the problem will only lead to greater instability and risk.

Deteriorating Structural Support Beams

Structural support beams, like lintels over openings or joists supporting floors, are critical components that carry heavy loads in masonry buildings. Over time, exposure to weather and moisture causes these beams to deteriorate, compromising the structure’s stability and integrity.

Support beams that decay or rot lose the ability to support the weight they are meant to carry properly. This can lead to problems like ceilings or floors collapsing, walls cracking, doors or windows sagging, or the building listing to one side. If left unaddressed, a support beam that has been damaged significantly could eventually cause a catastrophic collapse.

Some signs of deteriorating support beams include:

• Beams that have started sagging, sloping or dipping in the middle.
• Gaps appearing between the beam and walls underneath, allowing light to shine through.
• Water damage, rot or mold on or around the beams, especially at the ends.
• Ceilings or floors becoming unstable, sloping, or even collapsing in areas.
• Structural walls also cracking at the top, sides or ends of beam locations.

The solutions typically involve providing additional support and repairing or replacing damaged sections. Steel beams or brackets may be used to temporarily shore up or redistribute weight. For worse damage, beams are removed and replaced to restore structural integrity.

Inspecting support beams regularly, especially in basements, attics and areas of high moisture, is critical to identifying issues early. Any signs of deterioration should prompt evaluation by a structural professional as soon as possible. While repair costs may be less if issues are addressed promptly, ignoring the problem puts the safety of occupants and the building itself at serious risk of collapse.

What to Do if You Notice These Signs

If you notice any signs of masonry damage, it is important to take action immediately to avoid further damage and costly repairs. Here are some steps you should take:

Contact a Professional Masonry Contractor for an Assessment and Estimate

The first step is to contact professional masonry contractor for an assessment and estimate. A professional contractor can inspect the structure and identify the cause and extent of the damage. They can also provide you with an estimate for the repairs needed.

Have the Problem Inspected by a Structural Engineer if Necessary

In some cases, a structural engineer may be needed to assess the damage and recommend repairs. A structural engineer can identify any underlying issues with the foundation or structure of the building that may be contributing to the masonry damage.

Take Action Immediately to Avoid Further Damage and Costly Repairs

Once you have identified the cause and extent of the masonry damage, it is important to take action immediately to avoid further damage and costly repairs. Ignoring the problem can lead to more extensive damage and more costly repairs in future.

Hire a Professional Masonry Repair in Fredericton

Ignoring small cracks, crumbling mortar, or other signs of deterioration in masonry structures can quickly lead to much bigger and more expensive problems. As a premier masonry repair contractor serving Fredericton, Atlantic Brick and Stone has the expertise and experience to properly assess any issues with your masonry structure and perform high-quality repairs to prevent costly damage. Using inferior materials or unskilled labor to fix masonry problems is a false economy and will only necessitate further repair work in the future. Contact us for permanent, professional solutions to avoid the hassle and cost of multiple repairs.