What are the signs that your parging needs repair?

Cracking

One of the most common signs that repair may be needed is the presence of cracks in the parging. Cracking can have a variety of causes from settling of the foundation to temperature fluctuations. It is important to take a closer look at the types and patterns of cracks to help determine the potential severity of the issue.

Types of Cracks

The 3 Main Types of Cracks to Look Out For:

• Horizontal cracks – These run parallel to the ground and commonly occur due to settling or freeze-thaw cycles.
• Vertical cracks – Running perpendicular to the ground, they may arise from shrinkage as the parging dries or structural foundation problems.
• Diagonal cracks – Angling across the surface, these are generally the most troubling as they can indicate significant foundation movement needing prompt attention.

Causes of Cracks

• Settling foundation – A frequent culprit, especially in older buildings as the ground shifts over time.
• Temperature changes – In Fredericton, winter to summer transitions cause natural expansion and contraction that stresses the parging.
• Poor installation – Improperly applied parging without strong adhesion or correct thickness can crack prematurely.

Potential Risks

Any cracks (10 to 15mm wide) that develop provide pathways for water to seep into the foundation wall. This can potentially cause moisture issues like mold, damage to the structural wall itself, or seepage into living spaces like basements over the long run if left unaddressed.

Flaking and Peeling

Flaking refers to small, friable pieces or scales breaking away from the surface. Peeling involves larger plate-like sections losing bond and curling upwards, sometimes in continuous sheets. Both signify failure of the parging to adhere uniformly.

Loose, misshapen patches of material scattered at the foundation base are evidence of flaking. Peeling often reveals damp, blistered areas underneath as bonding to the wall fails. Powdery white dust left in these places signifies active shedding of the protective coating.

Causes

• Moisture Infiltration – Repeated or prolonged saturation behind the parging from water access points can gradually dissolve bonding compounds, leading to layer detachment.
• Poor Application – Factors like applying too thinly, prematurely while damp, or without thoroughly cleaning/roughening the foundation first undermine the mechanical grip and waterproof sealing between the two surfaces.

Consequences

• Unpleasant Aesthetics – Areas of peeling draw the eye and can have a run-down appearance reducing curb appeal.
• Structural Weakening – Long-term exposure of the load-bearing wall risks exacerbating issues like cracking, moisture intrusion, and growth of vegetation within it that pose risks to its integrity.

Bulging or Blistering

Bulging appears as rounded, swollen areas protruding from the wall. Blistering forms as small, raised bubbles on the surface similar to ones on skin. Both signs often contain trapped moisture behind the parging.

Causes

Water Entrapment – The primary cause is moisture becoming trapped behind the parging. When water seeps in through cracks, poor drainage or inadequate waterproofing, it can build up pressure that pushes outward, resulting in bulging or blistering.

Risks

• Structural Compromise – If bulging and blistering continues as more moisture accumulates, the affected parging will become increasingly weak and unstable over time.

Erosion and Deterioration

Erosion and deterioration refer to the natural wear and breakdown of parging over extended time from exposure to environmental factors.

Signs of Erosion

• Surface Irregularities – Over time, the parging surface may take on a rough, pockmarked or uneven texture and appearance.
• Discoloration and Fading – Prolonged sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations cause the original parging hue to fade noticeably or develop stains.
• Exposed Underlayment – As the protective coating breaks down, components like gravel or aggregate may become increasingly visible.

Contributing Factors

• Weathering – Repeated precipitation, wind, and seasonal climate swings gradually chip away at integrity.
• Aging – Even with maintenance, enduring decades of exposure takes a natural toll on durable parging materials.
• Poor Materials – Inferior concrete, stucco, or plaster mixes more prone to cracking accelerate the rate of weathering damage.

Implications

• Foundation Exposure – Ongoing erosion ultimately leaves the masonry foundation walls unprotected and at risk of cracks.

Holes and Gaps

Holes and gaps refer to breaches or discontinuities in the protective parging surface that expose the underlying foundation material.

Common Causes

• Pest Activity – Rodents may burrow complex tunnels, while insects like carpenter ants create small tunnels.

Potential Issues

• Pest Entry Points – Even small openings invite insects or rodents to nest within livable spaces.
• Moisture Vulnerability – Any breach grants water direct access to the wall’s masonry, increasing risk of damage.

Contact Masonry Contractor in Fredericton for Parging Repair

If your parging displays multiple signs of needed care like cracking, bulging, flaking, or deterioration, it’s wise to consult an experienced masonry repair contractor in Fredericton. An expert evaluation will assess the extent of any damage and advise the best repair or replacement methods.

In the Fredericton area, one reputable choice is Atlantic Brick and Stone, offering years of experience in all types of masonry work including new parging installation and remediation of issues caught early on. Do not hesitate to request a free inspection from Atlantic Brick & Stone to preserve your building’s structural integrity and prevent expensive repairs in future.

Summary

• Keep an eye out for warning signs that your parging may require attention like cracking, peeling, bulging, erosion, or gaps.
• Addressing small problems promptly helps prevent larger structural issues and expensive repairs in the long run.
• Consult an experienced masonry contractor for an assessment if multiple areas show deterioration.

Their expertise can advise the appropriate repair or reapplication measures to shield your building foundation properly once again.