When to Call a Professional Mason for Brick Repair

Many structures like homes, office buildings, and factories are made with brick for a good reason. Brick is durable, strong, and able to handle fire better than any other building material. Brick is non-combustible and can withstand high temperatures. Plus, brick is attractive and pleasing to the eye. No wonder building with brick is so popular. 

However, brick is not immune to the wear and tear that time can inflict. Whether you have an old building, a fireplace that’s looking run down, or a charming brick walkway that needs an uplift, you found your way here because you’re curious about the signs your masonry will give you when it’s ready for repair. 

Signs Your Masonry Needs Repair

1. Cracks in the Brick or Mortar

If you’re seeing cracks in the mortar or the brick itself then you need professional brick repair services. Even small surface cracks, which seem harmless, should be checked out by a professional. If you find larger cracks that seem to be getting wider you could have a deeper issue like possible structural issues. Vertical or diagonal cracks extending through the mortar joints or bricks are a strong indicator that it’s time to contact a professional mason.

2. Leaning or Bulging Walls

Bricks are supposed to stand straight, so if you see any bulging or leaning, that could mean the structure is suffering stress in that area. This can happen when foundations shift if there’s moisture damage or possibly inaccurate construction. Bulging or leaning brickwork should not be left unaddressed. Those issues can lead to severe structural instability, and it could collapse. If you notice anything like this, you need a professional mason right away. 

3. Missing or Crumbling Mortar

Mortar is the glue that holds your structure together, brick by brick. If you see anywhere on your home, fireplace, or chimney where the mortar is crumbling or missing then you need a professional mason. Mortar can succumb to freeze-thaw cycles and extreme weather conditions. A professional mason can repoint your bricks, which is a process where they remove the old mortar and replace it. This ensures durability. 

4. Water Damage or Excess Moisture

Brick can absorb moisture because it's porous. These pores won’t protect it from excessive moisture, which can lead to significant problems. The brick can get a white, powdery residue called efflorescence, or mold can grow. Another indication of excessive moisture is a musty smell. If you see any indication that moisture is seeping through the bricks, you need a professional mason to come out. 

5. Deterioration

If your bricks or mortar looks like they’re deteriorating, then they probably are. Bricks can become weathered and deteriorate over time because they get old, are not properly maintained, and are exposed to extreme weather. Bricks that are losing their color, softening, or crumbling need to be replaced for the safety and integrity of your structure. A good mason will be able to replace those old bricks with new ones quickly and seamlessly. 

6. Settling Foundations

When it comes to the masonry in your building’s foundation, if it was built poorly, on compacted soil, or unstable ground, settling can lead to all kinds of issues with the brickwork. There could be cracks and shifts that are noticeable. If you experience any sticking doors or windows, shifts in the bricks, or uneven floors, contact a mason right away. They can do a full inspection of the foundation and advise you on the best course of action. 

Do You Have a Building in Need of Brick Repair in the Frankfort, IL or Dyer, IN Areas?

If you need a brick repair in or around Chicago Heights, Orland Park, Dyer, or any of the surrounding areas, contact us at Custom Brick & Stone. We have more than twenty years of experience, and all of our masons are licensed. Having that old brick structure repaired is the smartest thing to do to maintain your investment in that building.