Hidden Brick Damage is a durable and beautiful building material that can last for decades or centuries when properly maintained. However, like any building material, brick is vulnerable to damage. Damaged brick can appear in many forms and can be a serious problem to your home or commercial structure. The earlier you recognize brick damage, the less expensive the repair will be. Damaged brick is usually due to age-related issues or moisture, and both should be addressed as soon as possible.
Hidden Brick Damage
Damaged brick can show up as cracks, discoloration, wall bulging, or crumbling. It is important to recognize brick damage as soon as you can because the longer you allow these problems to remain, the worse they will become and can ultimately affect other bricks around them. The best way to identify brick damage is by engaging a professional masonry service.
Moisture damage is one of the most common problems for brick structures. Rain and groundwater can seep into cracks in a brick wall and freeze in the winter, expanding the cracks and possibly creating structural damage to your home or commercial property. Proper grading and drainage systems can help mitigate this type of damage.
Another common issue for older brick buildings is mortar deterioration. When a grinder is used haphazardly on a brick surface, it will often remove the tops and bottoms of the individual bricks as well as the mortar between them. This is irreversible masonry damage and causes the once tight 3/8″ mortar joints to widen. This also allows the brick to shift and create structural problems in your home or commercial structure.