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Brick walls run into problems at some point in time. As a property owner, you will notice visually unappealing signs of damage in the brick wall caused due to numerous factors. Cracks, spalling or crumbling in brickwork are common no matter how much you maintain it. Maintenance can delay the decay process, but eventually, you cannot restrict it.

A beautiful brick wall will give away its lustre and appearance with age. It impacts the aesthetics adversely, alongside compromising the strength, vigor, and integrity of the structure. Nonetheless, timely brick wall repair NYC can restore the health and curb appeal of brickwork aiding improved durability.

Today, in this blog, we will discuss the popular fixes for various brick damages so that you can identify them and take the necessary actions immediately.

Fixing Common Brick Damages

Brick damage occurs due to several underlying reasons, and the first step to remediate it is to evaluate the severity of the decay. Problems arising from critical structural failure require brick wall replacement NYC by a licensed professional. Structural breakdown poses a potential threat to lives and property. Thus, replacement is the best solution for such a critical problem.

Now, let us throw light on the effective fixes for common brick wall problems:

• Cracking- Shrinkage, settlement, temperature fluctuations, and vegetation growth results in crack formation. It is the most prevalent brick damage occurring in any masonry structure. These cracks can be vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and step-like. Vertical cracks appear due to thermal expansion and contraction, whereas horizontal cracks imply foundation movement. On the other hand, diagonal and step-like cracks appear when the soil settles due to moisture or shifting. Minor cracks are reparable by patching, but those resulting from foundation changes require brick wall replacement NYC.

• Spalling- The flaking or peeling of bricks is a predominant phenomenon occurring primarily due to weathering, moisture, chemical influences, and improper installation. Commonly referred to as spalling, the damage is generally irrevocable. Your masonry contractor will replace the damaged bricks through efficient techniques.

• Mortar Decay- Mortar joints are the weak spots easily affected by extreme temperatures and moisture penetration. Often, improper mortar mix is also responsible for the event. Brick wall repair NYC, like re-pointing and tuckpointing can restore the mortar joints.

• Bulging and Bowing- Bricks bulge due to frost attack and excessive moisture exposure. Inadequate drainage and loosened mortar joints are the fundamental factors. On the contrary, bowing results from stress, construction failure, soil erosion, earthquakes, and lack of maintenance. Both of them need brick wall replacement NYC as a long-term remediation.

• Efflorescence- Efflorescence on the brick surface occurs when water evaporates, and the soluble salts accumulate on the brick surface. It appears as white, powdery dust, leaving ugly patches. Cleaning the surface with detergents and maintaining it can eradicate the problem.

• Mold and Mildew- Dark brown or black spots on the brick’s surface are caused generally due to the infestation of mold and mildew. If a brick structure is persistently exposed to moisture in any form, such growths are bound to happen. In the long run, it affects the internal framework if not addressed promptly. However, with brick wall repair NYC you can combat the issue effortlessly.

To Sum Up

A brick structure faces several challenges throughout its service life. Nothing can stop it from happening! Nevertheless, you can always slow down the process with adequate remedial measures assisted by qualified personnel. But your actions must be prompt if you want to skip the havoc consequences. Take the first stride without thinking twice!    

Extreme weather conditions affect the mortar in brickwork adversely. Both hot and cold climates have a havoc impact on any brickwork, deteriorating the mortar bonding and curtailing the strength and stability of the structure. Mortar, which is a mix of Portland cement, lime, and sand, is the fundamental element imparting compactness and solidity in brick, stone, and concrete constructions. 

You are perhaps acquainted with frost attacks in bricks occurring due to freezing temperatures. So, it is always recommended to undergo brick pointing in NYC before winter hits. Nonetheless, extreme heat also causes significant damage to mortar joints, which are often understated. 

So, how do harsh weather conditions affect mortar joints? What are the ways to fix them? Let us find it out in the following discussion. 

Impact of Heat on Mortar

Hot weather implies rising temperatures, dry winds, and low moisture. In such scenarios, your brickwork experiences critical conditions affecting the overall structural solidity and vigor. Mortar joints are heavily impacted if you do not execute brick re-pointing NYC promptly. 

Here is what happens to mortar:

• On very hot days, brick, stone, and concrete blocks lose moisture rapidly. Being porous, these materials also absorb water from the surrounding mortar joints.
• With rapid moisture loss from the mortar joints as well, they tend to shrink, creating a gap or crevice between two adjacent masonry blocks.
• With the persistent occurrence of the event, mortar joints become loose and unstable. You may also notice missing mortar when the phenomenon happens for years.
• Therefore, the entire structure weakens and becomes susceptible to sudden failure.

The best solution to combat the circumstance is to keep your masonry structure moist during summers and ensure proper maintenance through brick pointing in NYC. 

Mortar in Cold Weather

Winter brings along freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and blizzards. Undoubtedly, it causes significant damage to the mortar joints in the following ways:

• When snow settles on brick, stone, or concrete blocks for too long, it forms a layer of thick sheet that is often challenging to remove.
• As the sun comes up and snow starts melting, water seeps into the cracks and crevices.
• When this water freezes, it expands, and the cracks become wider and deeper. It is called a frost attack.
• The process leads to the weakening of the mortar joints, and it can easily crumble and disintegrate.
• A weak mortar joint is the primary source of masonry failure.

Brick re-pointing NYC can however help combat frost attacks when executed timely.

Benefits of Brick Pointing

Brick pointing in NYC proposes excellent benefits in tackling harsh weather. How?

• It strengthens the mortar joints by filling in gaps and crevices and replacing old, crumbling mortar. When the joints are secured, the structure poses improved structural integrity and stability. It poses greater strength to withstand extreme climate conditions.
• With brick pointing, you can protect your masonry construction from moisture attack. It prevents water seepage in the inner layers, resisting erosion and corrosion. The building remains structurally sound and functional.
• Brick re-pointing NYC helps in curtailing regular maintenance. When you have a stronger and safer masonry structure, there is no need for regular maintenance because the construction is less likely to crack or crumble under stress and external elements.
• Lastly, for enhanced longevity of your property, there is no better alternative than brick pointing. It secures your property with additional service life, and you can enjoy a safer living environment.

To conclude, brick pointing is a potential tool for aiding superior weather protection. 

No matter how resilient brickwork is, it cannot withstand the long-run harsh impact of external weather elements and other pollutants. It will undergo some damage over time, and you must address it promptly to avoid structural failure. Also, deteriorated and dull brickwork is aesthetically unimpressive, impacting your business and the resale value of your property. 

However, timely brick pointing NYC can save you from expensive replacement costs. But brick pointing may not be the ideal solution every time. When you leave the damage untreated for too long, it becomes severe. Often, it affects the internal framework of the brick structure, causing a sudden failure. So, it is crucial to note the type and extent of damage to assist the ideal fix.

Today, we have discussed one of the most debated topics: should you choose brick pointing or brick replacement? To get into the depth of it, we require figuring out the significant points of consideration before plunging into brick replacement NYC. 

Let’s get started!

Types of Brick Damage

Brick is susceptible to diverse forms of damage resulting from various factors like:

• Ageing
• Weathering and Erosion
• Ground Settlement
• Excessive Moisture
• Mold and Mildew
• Dirt and Grime
• Corrosion
• Pollutants
• Improper Mortar Mix and
• Lack of Maintenance

All of the above factors are responsible for causing havoc to brickwork including:

• Cracks- Perhaps one of the most common problems with bricks- cracks occur in all shapes and sizes. Vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, you can spot minor or long, deep cracks in your brickwork at some point. If they are small and superficial, brick pointing NYC can aid in an appropriate fix. However, if the crevices are too wide and deep, you need to replace the bricks to improve the strength and functionality.

• Damp- Being a porous masonry material, bricks can retain water if the drainage facility is inadequate. When water penetrates the inner layers, it affects the structural integrity of the brickwork. In such scenarios, brick replacement NYC helps restore vigor and solidity.

• Efflorescence- You may often notice white, chalky deposits on brick surfaces, leaving behind an unpleasant stain. It looks unsightly, compromising the curb appeal of the structure. Though considered harmless, when left unattended, it can be detrimental. Cleaning the surfaces and proper maintenance is necessary to combat the problem.

• Crumbling Mortar- The cement, lime, and sand mix, also called mortar, is the bonding agent between two bricks. Over time, it deteriorates, causing crumbling, chipping, or loosening. It curtails the durability of the masonry structure. However, the good news is that brick pointing NYC by a qualified professional can effortlessly fix the issue in no time!

• Spalling- Flaking or peeling of brick surfaces is referred to as spalling. It results from temperature fluctuations and moisture seepage. Spalling compromises the compactness and strength of bricks. So, replacement is always a better choice than pointing to fix spalling.

• Broken or Chipped Bricks- Physical impact or soil settlement can severely affect brickwork. It causes cracking, chipping, and breaking of bricks which is irreparable. So, brick replacement NYC will be ideal to combat the issue and secure the structure with enhanced durability.

Conclusion

Brickwork possesses timeless classic beauty, imparting a pleasing appeal to any masonry structure. With proper maintenance and restoration, it can last long, delivering relentless functionality. So, whether brick pointing or replacement, both aim at restoring the lost vitality, stability, and aesthetics of brickwork. The choice depends entirely on the graveness of the damage and budget.