Brick masonry is one of the earliest forms of construction. Till today, brickwork is preferred in most masonry structures due to its everlasting classic appeal and excellent durability. From small residential products to large commercial spaces, brick has always been the preferred masonry material.
Walking down the streets of the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, and Richmond Hill, you will spot decades-old brick constructions! While there are several new buildings, decayed and damaged brick buildings are a common sight. Lack of maintenance and timely brick wall repair NY results in grave consequences, including property damage and loss of lives.
Thus, today we are here to learn about the prevalent problems in brickwork and ways to solve them. It will aid in safer living conditions.
Prevalent Brick Damages
It is essential to identify brick damage because it helps in early remediation. Conducting regular inspections by professional engineers is obligatory to ensure your building is structurally safe and sound. We have listed the common brickwork problems; take a look:
- Cracks– Surface tension, temperature fluctuations, freeze-thaw cycles, and soil settlement are the primary causes of cracks. They may appear in vertical or horizontal forms depending on the factor. Cracks are highly destructive when they become wide and deep.
- Efflorescence– White chalky substance depositing on the brick surface is known as efflorescence. These are salt deposits that appear over a time when damp surface dries up. Brick wall repair contractors remove efflorescence by power washing with water and liquid detergent.
- Spalling– Chipping or flaking of bricks is known as spalling. Generally, spalling is a sign of ageing and lack of structural integrity. It weakens the brick structure, causing severe consequences.
- Mortar Crumbling– Mortar is the bonding material between two adjacent bricks. It promotes strength and stability to a brick construction. However, mortar crumbles and disintegrates due to moisture exposure, temperature differences, and natural erosion. If the mortar becomes weak, the entire structure loses its sturdiness and soundness.
- Bulges– Sometimes, bricks bulge due to soil movement or wall shifting. The bricks move out of their places. As a result, you have a brick wall lacking strength and firmness.
Fixes to Brick Damages
So, how do you fix common brick wall problems? Here it goes:
- Thoroughly inspect the damaged area to evaluate its source and severity. Assessing damage is very important to determine the appropriate fix.
- If there are minor cracks, grout injections work well. The surface must be cleaned properly to remove dirt and loose materials. The brick repair contractor then carefully uses the grout injection to seal the cracks and gaps. It is an effective method to repair minor cracks.
- In other severe structural damages like deep, wide cracks, spalling, bulging, and mortar disintegration, the best repair technique is to remove and replace the damaged area. It offers long-term effectiveness.
- The damaged area is carefully cut and removed using a saw and chisel.
- Cleaning the surface thoroughly is crucial to get rid of dirt and debris. It allows better material bonding.
- Fresh mortar mix is applied, and the bricks are placed in layers. Always ensure the consistency of the mortar is ideal for better adhesion and longevity.
- Excess mortar is removed, and the surface is levelled properly for a smooth finish.
- Waterproofing paint is applied after the newly repaired area cures.
Brick wall repair cost is much less than replacement. Hence, it is always wise to detect and address damages whenever you notice them. Do not wait till the problem aggravates. You may not be left with repair options and have to perform an expensive replacement job.
