The main culprit of masonry damage is moisture. Rain, leaks and runoff can cause cracks and crumbles and can damage the structure behind or below the masonry work. Cracks are a common problem in masonry construction. They can occur when a building settles or due to moisture penetration. Poor preparation of the mortar can also cause cracks in the joints.
Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, can also put pressure on a wall or masonry foundation and cause cracks. Stains are a big problem for exterior facing masonry walls. It represents a costly problem for homeowners aware of their home's curb appeal. Staining occurs when masonry materials or mortar come into contact with the elements.
Water seeping and wall aging are the main causes of staining in masonry. When bricks or construction stones fall from the masonry wall, this is known as detachment. It is a problem caused by moisture penetration, freezing and thawing during a extended period. It may also be due to the structural tension of the masonry wall.
The most common cause is water damage. As water penetrates the masonry and weakens it during a freeze and thaw cycle, it releases the mortar around the brick and pushes it out. One of the main threats to a masonry structure is moisture. Masonry walls exposed to the elements can absorb water quickly and this compromises their structural integrity.
Water that seeps into a brick or stone wall freezes and thaws, exerting pressure directly on the surface. Water penetration poses a serious danger not only to masonry materials, but also to the adjacent assembly, such as metal, wood, windows and doors. For these reasons, moisture control is a very important masonry restoration project that we recommend. They can occur when a building settles or due to moisture penetration.
Poor preparation of the mortar can also cause cracks in the joints. Natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, can also put pressure on a wall or masonry foundation and cause annoying cracks. When stones or building bricks fall from the masonry wall, this is known as peeling. It is a problem caused by moisture penetration, thawing and freezing for an extended period.
It could also be due to structural stress on the masonry wall. Moisture is by far the biggest threat to your brick wall and other brick structures. Water can seep into cracks in bricks and freeze. This frozen water then expands and contracts with changes in temperature, affecting the strength of the bricks.
Over time, the masonry will begin to crack and crumble. Moisture can also seep into the mortar, causing bricks come loose. Some may even fall out after a sufficient amount of time.
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