Masonry work is one of the most essential parts of building any project. It is responsible for the structural as well as aesthetic integrity of a building. Masonry work is actually to work with burnt bricks, stones, concrete blocks, tiles, or glass blocks with the help of mortar to put them adjoined. Masonry problems can lead to colossal damage to you as a homeowner or business owner. So it is important to make sure you get it done right. But when is the right time to have your masonry work done?
When you see any Bulging or compact brick or mortar damage in your apartment walls, it is time to consult with Masonry Professionals
7 Important Signs that tell you When to Get your Masonry Work Done
1. Poked Out Bricks
This condition occurs when bricks bulge out or move in due to water seepage behind those bricks. The water softens the bricks or concrete and forces them out. It is a typical sign indicating that something critical is happening out of sight and needs to be corrected.
How to fix it?
The best possible way to fix this issue is to remove the affected part and analyze the nature of the problem. If the damage requires a simple fix, the mason will ensure there is no further moisture seepage. If the cause is of significant plumbing nature, the mason will partner with a plumber. Once the source is found out and plugged in, he will rebuild or replace the outer portion of the wall.
2. Packed Down(compact) Brick
A compact brick can be sorted out easily. These bricks lose their original shape and integrity and assume any shape like bowed, flat, or cracked. Bricks always stay stable by the pressure exerted by adjacent strong brick, so when there is a compacted brick, the pressure loosens. Just like a virus the affected brick poses serious threats to wall integrity. Moreover, it also gives access to water and pests to make their way to walls.
It is, therefore, best to deal with such issues as soon as possible.
How to fix it?
The mason will remove such brick and replace it with a new one. Mason may suggest additional support for the foundation by underpinning it
3. Vertical Corner Cracks
Usually, cracks can be frightening when found on foundation but luckily vertical corner cracks are not among them unless they exceed the angle of 30 degrees. These cracks are not suggestive of wall collapse and are fairly a result of Thermal Expansion. The worrisome fact about these cracks is that they allow water to pass in rains and result in popping out of bricks and damage to the inner wall
How to fix it?
Such problems require a simple fix that can be done by following two ways
- Crack Filling
Crack can be frilled by epoxy injections or Urethane
- Installation of an Expansion Joint
An expansion joint is installed in addition to crack filling to absorb the stress of thermal expansion.
Both methods are rather inexpensive when done at the right time before the damage causes repair much costlier
4. Damage to Mortar
Mortar is an important component in masonry work and is used to align the bricks or concrete blocks; hence, it is responsible for the unification and trueness of the wall. Lime, fine sand, and cement together make mortar. As time passes, mortar starts disintegrating, rendering bricks vulnerable to loosen up and rub against each other when there is not enough suitable buffer. This condition results in warping and worst case scenario complete collapse of the wall.
Solution
The timely repair can avoid such outcomes as well as less repair costs. The mason will remove worn-out mortar to a particular uniform depth and reinforce new ones in joints. It is easy to do, quicker, and cost-effective than building a whole new wall
5. Efflorescence and Staining
It is quite a common issue due to the precipitation of various salts on brick facets through concrete. When this happens, there is always a white stain, just like Armpit stains on our shirts. The following are predisposing factors to this condition:
Factors causing Staining
- Damp conditions
- Cold weather
- Dew and rain
- Condensation
Solution
The early solution to this issue is pressure washing; however, it takes a slightly longer. But prolonged stain will be resistant to washing, and mason will require certain chemicals like dangerous Muriatic acid
6. Horizontal Cracks
When cracks are greater than 30 degrees, they pose serious threats not only to your home but also to your safety and well-being. Such defects are also very expensive to repair.
Solution
Being a responsible homeowner, monitoring your outside walls and avoiding such devastating consequences is compulsory. If such an undesired event happens, immediately contact your mason to rectify the problem
7. Damage to the Interior
Sometimes, a problem inside your property is indicative of problems in outdoor walls. When this happens, don’t forget to inspect your outer walls, as this can cause moisture infiltration and other various problems. Each of these indoor issues may require Valet Works to get rid of.
Want To Get Your Masonry Work Done Elegantly? Valet Works Can Help!
If you’re looking for a masonry contractor that can help you with your brick and mortar repair needs, look no further than Valet Works. We have a team of experienced professionals who can assess the damage to your property and recommend the best course of action. We’ll also provide you with a free estimate so that you can budget for the repairs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is masonry work?
To Build something by joining individual pieces of stones, concrete blocks, tiles, or bricks with the help of sticking material we commonly call mortar
What is the most renowned type of masonry work?
Brickwork is the most famous among all masonry work since it fulfills both aesthetic as well as stability demands. A beautiful pattern forms when more than two bricks are aligned in a horizontal fashion
How can we assess the quality of mortar?
We can visually check for uniformity in the mortar And it can also be checked by digging. If it disintegrates and falls easily then the mortar is in bad condition and needs to be repaired
What is the optimum temperature for masonry work?
70-80 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for masonry work. If the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, mortar takes longer setting time and hence low strength .thats why winter is not the desirable season to get masonry work done