The construction of homes, businesses, and factories continue to be dominated by masonry structures. The building’s strength, durability, energy efficiency, fire resistance, soundproofing, and thermal mass are all improved by materials and technologies employed in masonry. Despite these benefits, masonry damage can happen to several causes. The causes of such damage should be known and understood by property owners, as they should be aware of these problems, and identify them when they arise, so they can be addressed by masonry contractors as soon as possible to prevent further damage from happening and keep the benefits masonry grants to the property’s structure.
Moisture permeability
Moisture is one of the main risks to a brick building. Masonry walls that are exposed to the weather can easily absorb water, and the consequent humidity will reduce the strength of the walls. Whenever a brick or stone wall has water leaking into it, the water will likewise experience freezing and thawing, alternatively compressing and decompressing the structure of the property. The components of the adjacent structures, such as wood and metal as well as doors and windows, and the masonry components themselves, are all at risk from water intrusion. Because of these factors, one of the most typical masonry restoration jobs is moisture management.
Cracking
A common issue with masonry buildings is cracking. They could be the consequence of moisture intrusion or structure settlement. Also, cracking in the joints can be caused by improper mortar preparation. Cracks may develop in a masonry wall or also in the foundation of the property, as a result of extra pressure as a consequence of natural calamities like earthquakes and floods.
Staining
Staining is a significant issue for the exterior appearance of masonry walls. It is also a costly problem to sort out by the property owners, conscious of their home’s appeal. Staining shows up when the brickworks or mortar get into contact with the elements. Water seepage and aging walls are more susceptible to masonry staining.
Bond Failure
When it comes to masonry, the integrity of the bricks and stones has to be in perfect condition to assure the strength of the masonry structure. Nevertheless, it is quite common in construction for these materials to lose adhesion between them. This situation leads to bulging or peeling of the wall surface, hollow patches, and flaking top layers.
Displacement
This is a structural problem that happens as a consequence of the corrosion of the steel-based structures, inadequate anchors for lateral support, and the consistent water freezing/thawing action, generating additional pressure on the structure. As a result of this displacement, a shifting of the masonry materials occurs. Contact us, as a local tuckpointing contractors to replace all damaged bricks and mortar.
Spalling
Spalling is the name of the process when bricks or building stones fall from the masonry wall. Usually, this problem is caused by moisture that penetrates a damaged wall and the consequent freezing and thawing processes over a long period. This situation can be also found in cases of structural stress on the masonry wall.
Contact VILLA Masonry & Tuckpointing Contractors Chicago today and ask for a free, on-site estimate for your masonry restoration project in the area, with no obligation attached.