Masonry repair is an essential service to address damage and prevent structural problems. It also helps to preserve historic buildings and increase property value.
A masonry repair professional should first examine the structure for signs of moisture problems such as efflorescence, spalling or cracking. Efflorescence is a white, powdery coating that appears on the surface of bricks. Visit https://masonrycharleston.com/ to learn more.
Mortar joints are the fine lines that connect bricks or stones in a masonry building. Over time and with weathering they can weaken resulting in damage to bricks or the structure itself. Repointing is the process of renewing these mortar joints. This can be done for aesthetic reasons, repairing concerns or to prevent future problems. When mortar is damaged it creates voids between the brick and can cause serious structural vulnerabilities if water or salt enters these voids. This is why a recurring visual inspection of your masonry is important so these red flags can be seen and repaired.
To do this type of repointing, it is first necessary to clear out the old mortar from the existing brick joints by brushing away the crumbly material and misting the walls with water from a garden hose. This will prevent dry, powdery mortar from sucking moisture out of the new pointing and slowing down its curing process. Once the area is clean and damp a mortar mix can be prepared, usually consisting of cement, lime, sand and water in proportions specific to each project. Experienced masons consider climate, brick type and other factors when creating a mortar mix to ensure it will bond well with the existing mortar and bricks.
Once the mortar is mixed, it should be placed into the clean mortar joints, starting with the vertical mortar joints then moving to the horizontal joints. The mason will use a pointing trowel to evenly allocate the mortar, closing the voids between the brick. This will require precision and skill to ensure the new mortar is applied evenly. Once the pointing is completed the mason will tool the new mortar with a jointing tool to create a crisp, professional finish and ensure the mortar bonds well.
The new pointing should then be allowed to cure for several days before applying a sealant or coating. This will further protect the masonry from moisture penetration and weathering, extending its lifespan and improving its durability.
Cracks
Brick is a sturdy material, but it is not impervious to wear and tear. Masonry repair is a form of maintenance that addresses cracks in the mortar, filling gaps, and replacing damaged brick or stone. In addition to enhancing the appearance of a building, regular masonry repair can extend the life of the structure.
Cracks in masonry structures can develop due to weathering, age, or other environmental factors such as freeze-thaw cycles. Eventually, these cracks can lead to damage, and the underlying material can begin to crumble or fall off the building.
Regular masonry repair can reduce the severity of the cracks, and in some cases, it can prevent them from occurring altogether. A qualified masonry contractor can assess the structure and determine the best long-term repair strategy, which may include tuckpointing (repainting the joints between bricks), replacing mortar, or lintel replacement.
While most masonry crack repairs are relatively straightforward, there are some situations that require more extensive work. These might include replacing damaged bricks, repointing (filling in the joints between bricks), and crown repair (fixing the concrete top layer that sheds water).
When conducting masonry crack repair, it is important to remove any existing mortar from the surface of the wall before applying the new material. This step will ensure that the repaired area is structurally sound and that the new mortar adheres properly to the existing material. A hammer and cold chisel can be used to undercut both sides of the crack, creating a ledge that will support the repair compound. A masonry crack filler can then be applied to the wall, and a pointing trowel with a narrow blade should be used to apply, spread, and smooth the new material.
There are a variety of masonry crack fillers available, including vinyl-reinforced materials that can be applied with caulk tubes or bottles. To get the best results, choose a product that is specifically formulated for use with brick or stone. A masonry trowel has a narrow blade that is perfect for getting into tight joints. Type N mortar is a general-purpose option that can be used for above-ground walls, while type S and type M are designed for below-ground or load-bearing walls that will be exposed to severe weather conditions.
Loose Bricks or Stones
Brick chimneys, concrete basement walls, cement driveways and heavy-duty porches are masonry structures that need regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Masonry repair includes everything from patching cracks in mortar to plugging holes and repairing loose bricks or stones. Depending on the extent of the damage, repair may involve repointing or even removing and replacing bricks or stones.
Loose bricks can lead to dangerous structural instability, so it’s essential that they are repaired quickly. Repairing masonry requires careful attention to detail to ensure the new mortar adheres properly and blends in with existing surfaces. Masonry professionals have the tools and experience necessary to correctly complete this type of work.
Masonry is a durable building material that can stand up to years of use and weather exposure. But it can still deteriorate over time due to natural causes or poor maintenance. Masonry repair addresses these issues, extending the lifespan and enhancing the appearance of masonry structures.
The most common cause of deterioration is water penetration. When it seeps into mortar joints, it breaks down the bonds that hold bricks or stones in place. This can result in gaps and cracks that compromise aesthetics and strength. It can also lead to efflorescence (white, powdery deposits) and cycles of freezing and thawing that accelerate deterioration.
Masonry repair involves addressing these problems, restoring proper bonding and keeping moisture out of the joints. A professional mason will evaluate the situation and recommend appropriate repair methods.
Loose bricks or stones can often be fixed by repointing the surrounding mortar. For minor crumbling, this is usually all that is needed to restore stability and appearance. The mortar should be misted to help it cure, and the surface should be protected from the elements while the mortar repairs itself.
When replacing bricks, it’s important to choose a replacement that closely matches the existing color and texture of the structure. Switching out a loose brick for one that is a different color can cause a noticeable, distracting difference in the appearance of the masonry.
Lintels
Lintels are horizontal load-bearing structures that support masonry over opening gaps like windows, doors and arches. They transfer weight from above to the walls around them, and are an important component of commercial and heritage buildings. Understanding the different types of lintels and how to maintain, repair and replace them is key to keeping your building safe and sound.
Steel sections known as lintels are fastened above windows, doors and other masonry to act as a shelf for the masonry above. However, they are not indestructible and can be damaged by factors such as dampness, freezing thawing cycles and the weight of snow and ice. These issues can cause the masonry to move, and the lintel to crack or corrode. This is particularly common in older properties, and can result in the need for window lintel replacement or brick lintel repair.
The first sign of a problem with a lintel is usually cracking at the mortar joints above the openings. These are usually diagonal cracks that travel away from the corners of the opening and are a sure indication of a faulty lintel. Another common sign of a faulty lintel is bowing or distortion in the masonry above the opening. This can be caused by movement or settlement in the structure, but is also often a sign that a lintel is failing.
There are six main types of lintel, including concrete, stone, timber and cast-in situ. Precast concrete lintels are usually the most suitable option, as they offer consistency in construction and are highly durable. They are available in a range of lengths and thicknesses, and can be reinforced to increase their strength.
Reinforced brick lintels are made on site by placing reinforcement within the formwork before pouring concrete, and offer greater flexibility than precast concrete lintels. They are also popular for their aesthetic and design options, as they can be built to match the surrounding masonry and fit in seamlessly.
Stone and concrete lintels can be repaired by removing spalling concrete and replacing it with a rapid-set concrete material. This process is also used for repairing brick lintels and is a quick, cost-effective method of ensuring the structural integrity of your building. Alternatively, engineers can use helical bars to stabilize cracks and strengthen the masonry. This is a non-invasive method of fixing cracked lintels and offers excellent load-bearing capacity.