Masonry damage can be a huge headache, both for property owners and for the masons tasked with repairing it. To ensure that your masonry is properly repaired – and that the problem doesn’t simply recur after a short period – it’s important to understand the most common causes of damage.
This guide will provide an overview of some of the most frequent causes of masonry damage, as well as some tips on how to prevent it. Some of the major causes are mentioned below.
1. Water Infiltration
Masonry structures are most susceptible to water infiltration as they are made up of a lot of minerals. Water absorbed by these minerals impairs the durability of the structures. That is the reason masonry material should be fully dried off before placing it. Otherwise, water will seep into structures and accumulate.
This water penetration will not only affect the masonry but will also affect the wood, metals, doors, windows, and wardrobes installed with the structures.
Tips to Control Water Infiltration/ Moisture
- Masonry material should be fully dried off before installation.
- The humidity index on the premises should be low.
- There must be a well-maintained drainage system.
- Cement coatings can also be used.
- Water repellents should be used in masonry work.
- A strong and well-planned foundation structure will also help to prevent moisture.
- Hydrophobicpaint materials such as water-based latex paints or surface treatments made from silicon and acrylic should be used.
2. Spalling
If there is random shattering, flakes, scratches, or chips over the brick wall it is called “SPALLING”. It is usually caused by moisture trapped inside the blocks.
In winters when the temperature is below the freezing point the trapped water freezes and expands. When the ice melts or the process of thawing takes place it creates more vacant space and more water is seeped into the blocks/bricks causing more freezing and thawing. In the end, it will exert more pressure on masonry and cause the masonry to slump and flake.
Tips to Control Spalling
Spalling is interlinked with moisture/water infiltration. By controlling the moisture you can prevent it.
3. Cracking
Masonry materials have low tensile strength and high comprehensive strength which means they can be easily cracked. Cracks may occur due to many reasons such as
- Thermal effect
- Expansion and reduction
- Spalling is caused by the freezing and thawing of moisture.
- Poor quality of grout and
- Water seepage into the foundations of the structures are
Cracks may also occur as a result of catastrophic events such as
- Earthquakes
- Heavy rains
- Floods
Tips to Control Cracks
- Masonry should be constructed properly.
- The height of the building should be according to the strength of the foundation.
- Inspect the building for cracks regularly.
- There should be vertical and horizontal expansion joints in masonry work.
- The quality of masonry material should never be neglected.
4. Improper Bonding
Blocks, bricks, and stones in the masonry work should adhere to each other to ensure the durability of structures. If somehow the bonding between these structural units is not good and these are not in contact with each other properly the masonry structures will be more prone to damage such as cracking, peeling of cementing material, shattering, and flaking of top layers.
Improper bonding can be due to the following reasons
- Poor quality of bonding materials.
- Improper mixing of water to the mortar.
- If you add more or less water to the mortar then it will have a weak bond.
Tips to Control Improper Bonding
- Mix the mortar and water in the proper ratio.
- The quality of bonding materials such as mortar, grout, or cement should never be neglected.
5. Staining-Fading
A stain is any unfavorable spot or unwanted pattern over the masonry structure. Staining is the major problem of structures/buildings that are exposed to weather and the external environment. When masonry materials are in contact with outside elements staining occurs. Following are the significant causes of staining
- Water infiltration
- Aging of walls
Tips to Control Staining
Staining can be avoided by following things
- Use weather-resistant paints and masonry materials, especially for the structures or walls exposed to the external environment.
- Avoid water infiltration and moisture.
6. Salt Damage
Salts such as sodium chloride are one of the main causes of masonry damage. Brine water when it seeps into the structures causes deterioration of the surface of masonry. The main reason for this damage is because this saltwater has sodium and chloride ions which wear down the bonding efficiency of mortar and reduce the strength and durability of the structure.
Tips to Control Salt Damage
Salt will always come along with water. So to avoid salt damage it is necessary to avoid moisture and water infiltration by using water repellent sealant.
Use a plastic sheet barrier between masonry construction and the ground.
7. Lack of Maintenance
It is easy to construct a building but its maintenance is always a difficult task because owners pay no concentration on it. They neglect the maintenance required by their building.
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the owners should look over the masonry structure at least once a year. The sturdiness of the masonry structures can be prolonged by regular maintenance required by buildings.
8. Improper Repair
To Maintain the masonry structure it is necessary to repair the damage properly. Improper repair costs you in the long run. It will intensify the damage further.
Repair should always be done by experts and good contractors. The new brick placement should be more precise and the new mortar mix should be compatible with the previous one.
Always contact an authorized builder that will deliver quality services for your masonry structure. So it is not a good approach to save some pennies; it will cost you.
Are You Sick of Masonry Damage? Contact Valet Works!
Are you sick of your masonry damage and looking for regular inspections and maintenance of your buildings? Valet works have all the solutions to your worries. So contact us for any kind of damage repair and restoration to maintain the integrity and beauty of your buildings. Our skillful team will always be ready to serve you in the best possible way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Catastrophic Events Can Cause Masonry Damage?
Yes, catastrophic events such as earthquakes, blasts, floods, and heavy rains are major causes of masonry damage.
Regular Inspections of Buildings Can Prevent Masonry Damage?
If you regularly inspect the buildings and do the required maintenance on time the major masonry damage can be prevented to great extent.
How Many Times Inspection of Building is Recommended a Year?
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the owners should look over the masonry structure at least once a year.