Masonry is one of the most durable building materials available, but like all construction components, natural wear and tear will eventually require maintenance and repairs. This is where masonry repair and restoration come in.
It is important to understand the difference between masonry repairs and restoration, since they have different goals and scopes. Repairs are targeted fixes, while restorations aim to renew a structure’s appearance and integrity. Contact Masonry Repair Long Island now!
While it might seem like a small thing to do, damaged brick and stone should be addressed immediately. A wall that is damaged or missing bricks can cause structural problems for your building and create a safety issue for the people inside.
Damaged bricks that aren’t addressed quickly can lead to more serious problems, including cracking or crumbling masonry. It’s important to have a professional come and evaluate the damage and determine what the cause is so that it can be fixed.
When you have damaged bricks or stones, a good mason can make the repairs to keep the structure safe and sound. In some cases, this will mean replacing the damaged pieces, but in many cases repairing is an option.
Cracking in masonry can happen for a variety of reasons, including uneven expansion and contraction rates. Different types of bricks and mortar can expand at different rates, which can cause the walls to crack and move in a way that causes structural instability. In some cases, the cracks are caused by water leaks that need to be stopped as soon as possible.
Some cracks can be repaired by tuckpointing, which is a process of adding new mortar to the joints in the wall. This will help fill in any gaps or crevices and make sure the mortar is strong and secure. This is a job that takes a lot of skill and experience to get right, so it’s best left to the professionals.
If you have a large area of the wall that is missing brick, it might be necessary to replace the entire section. This is a job for a professional mason who knows how to do it correctly and can ensure the bricks are color-matched with the rest of the wall.
Bowed bricks are a big sign that it’s time to call in a mason. This type of structural damage is usually the result of moisture that has gotten in behind the masonry and warped or softened the concrete and bricks, causing them to push out or cave in around a certain area. It’s important to have a mason inspect your building regularly so they can catch any issues before they become larger problems.
Sagging Foundations
A foundation that is sinking can cause a number of problems with your home or business. This is because the structure’s floors and ceiling may become uneven, which can make them hard to open doors or walk on. Additionally, the sinking can create cracks in the walls of your house.
If you are experiencing this issue, it is important to seek professional help right away. A professional will be able to determine the best method for repairing the problem. Some methods of repair include shims, mudjacking, and helical piers.
Before attempting any DIY repairs, however, it’s important to understand why your foundation is sinking. Moisture is a common cause for this problem, as it encourages moss and mildew to grow on the exterior of the structure and causes the soil to expand or contract. This can cause the foundation to move, which leads to sagging floors and wall cracks.
Another common cause of sagging is damage to the floor joists. These are the wooden beams that run beneath the flooring of your home or business. If you have a crawl space, check the joists to see if they’re damaged or rotten. Using a screwdriver, try poking or pushing through the wood to see if it feels mushy or soft. If it does, the joists need to be replaced and your floor sagging will stop.
Sagging foundations can also be caused by problems with the soil underneath the foundation. This can be due to excessive moisture, expansion or contraction of the clay soil, leaking underground plumbing, and other reasons. Whether the soil is shifting due to these issues or because of improper construction, sagging floors and foundations need to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further structural damage.
Once a professional has completed any more extensive repairs, they can often seal the cracks in your walls to prevent further damage. They can use masonry patches and sealants to fill hairline cracks with vinyl concrete compounds or latex, silicone or polyurethane concrete caulks to cover wider ones. They can also apply waterproofing membranes to prevent water and other moisture from entering the space beneath the foundation.
Leaking Chimneys
Leaking chimneys are a common problem for homeowners. They aren’t just a nuisance, but can cause expensive water damage to the home, walls, ceilings, and attic. Chimney leaks should be considered a major concern, and repaired as soon as possible to avoid structural damage and potential health hazards.
The main reason a chimney can leak is because the mortar or bricks are porous and will absorb water. This can lead to water seeping through the chimney and into other parts of the house during rainstorms. This can be caused by a lack of chimney maintenance, poor construction, and deteriorating masonry.
Other reasons for leaking include a missing chimney cap, damaged or deteriorated flashing, a faulty chimney chase, and cracked or crumbling bricks. Over time, a chimney can lose its waterproofing coating and the freeze-thaw cycle can make tiny cracks in the masonry bigger.
A chimney crown is a concrete slab at the top of the chimney that protects it from rain, snow and other elements. Chimneys that have a damaged or eroded chimney crown can easily leak and will eventually cause water damage to the fireplace, flue liner, masonry chimney, and nearby materials in the home.
If your chimney has a leaking crown, it will need to be patched and resealed. For the best results, this job should be done by a professional masonry repair contractor who is experienced with the proper procedures for repairing chimney leaks.
In addition, if the chimney chase is built of brick or stone, it needs to be side with siding. Chases that are not sided will always leak, because brick and stone will absorb the water and pass it into the attic or through the walls.
Often, the most effective way to stop a chimney leak is by waterproofing the masonry and the flashing that seals the area where the roof meets the chimney. This can be done by a licensed roofing contractor and should be completed after any other chimney repairs. Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney of Rochester uses a specialized masonry water repellent that can be applied by a professional to create a protective barrier that keeps water from absorbing into the bricks.
Cracked or Chipped Bricks
Brick is an inflexible material that can crack if the building is under stress. Cracks narrower than 2mm are normal and generally not a serious problem, but should be filled in to prevent water from permeating the wall. Cracks wider than 2mm can be a sign of serious structural issues, so should be examined by a professional as soon as possible.
Crumbling masonry is not just unsightly, it can pose a safety risk for people walking near the affected area. Bricks are designed to support one another, so when a single brick crumbles it can put the entire structure at risk of collapse. It is important to determine the cause of the crumbling before starting any repair, as this can help prevent it from recurring. Water damage from heavy storms is often the culprit, so steps should be taken to improve drainage around the home and install forms of waterproofing. Cracks in masonry can also be caused by vibrations, so it is important to monitor construction nearby.
Spalling brick occurs when the underlying mortar has deteriorated, leaving holes in the surface of the brick. This allows moisture to penetrate the masonry wall, which can lead to more serious problems. To prevent spalling, make sure that the surrounding mortar is in good condition and regularly inspect the brick for loose or missing pieces.
Bricks that are cracked or chipped should be repaired as quickly as possible, as they can allow water and insects to enter the home. Cracks in brick can also indicate problems with the foundation or water damage, so it is important to consult a masonry professional as soon as possible.
Brick cracks can be repaired in several ways. Some bricks may need to be replaced if they are completely broken, but this is a more invasive and costly process than simply filling the crack with mortar dyed to match the surrounding brick.