Stone homes and structures are beautiful and often hold a lot of history within their walls. However, these buildings are prone to deterioration from weather, plants and poor maintenance so it’s important you are aware of the signs you may need a masonry expert to repair your stone building.
Here are the signs you should call an expert.
Deteriorating or missing mortar
Most brick or stone masonry walls will need repointing every 15-20 years but may need to be done earlier depending on other factors. The structure of your masonry wall will be greatly impacted by mortar deteriorating or buckling. If the bricks in your wall don’t have sufficient mortar, they may rub against each other and warp. Furthermore, if you don’t use the correct mortar or it’s applied incorrectly, it can lead to further problems. This is why it’s important to get an expert to repair this damage.
Bulging bricks
When moisture seeps behind your brick masonry and disrupts the backing, it causes frost boil or bulging bricks. This is where the bricks are being pushed or pulled, causing them to bulge. In order to fix this issue, masonry experts will need to remove any affected bricks, repair the damage and lay new bricks.
Bowed bricks
If you notice your wall is altered from its original shape, it likely needs to be repaired by a masonry expert. This is because cracked or bowed bricks allow water into your home and cause damage. If you notice one compacted brick, there are probably many more you haven’t noticed. It’s wise to give a masonry contractor a call to replace any affected areas and add push piers to your foundation.
Interior damage
You may notice damage on the inside of your home which is a cause of concern. This may be damage such as moisture buildup on your walls, noticing drafts, deformed windows or plaster cracks. If you notice any of these or any other internal damage, contact a masonry expert as soon as possible.
Cracked bricks
It’s natural to notice cracks in brickwork over time but you should keep an eye on them and contact a professional if they get deeper or affect the structure of the building. Cracks around windows, doors, walls, ceilings or floors should be checked immediately to ensure there is no structural damage. It’s likely you’ll need repairs to prevent water from leaking through and causing further damage by freezing.
How to prevent masonry damage
In order to prevent the damages mentioned above, you need to take good care of your building and check it over regularly. The common causes of masonry damage are:
Vegetation - Plants can cause damage to brick or stone masonry so if you notice any invasive plants, they should be removed immediately.
Freeze and thaw cycles - Water entering cracks in the brickwork can cause a bigger threat if it freezes.
Lack of maintenance - Check your property annually for any signs of damage.
Incorrect repairs - Not hiring an expert stonemason to treat your stonework can lead to more damages in the future.
B & D Roofing and Building provide masonry repair and restoration to ensure the preservation of stone buildings. To learn more about our range of building services, visit our website.
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