What causes brick and mortar cracks?
Here are some tips
The most common root cause for loose and mortar cracks its the exposure to moisture, if there are sprinklers systems spraying water to the masonry on a daily basis and the masonry its not protected with a water sealer repellent it will cause part of the mortar to come off easily and will also cause white stains to the bricks. Brick structures like fences or homes are supported by brick tides and wiring and when it gets exposed to moisture it expands and causes the mortar to be weak. Back in the days sprinkler system were in 360 degrees now in days you can select the angle of your sprinklers. Also missing mortar can be cause by not adding the correct amount of ingredients on the mortar preparations, in new installations there should be no need for mortar maintenance at least for 25 years,(bricks last a century ), after that a little maintenance will be required, adding a water sealer protection every 5 years will help maintaining the brick and mortar in a good shape. foundation movements will cause mortar cracks as well, often seen in homes, there are multiple factors that cause a foundation movement, poor foundation, not enough foundation rebars, tree roots and the worse enemy-water. Floods, heavy rains or even sprinklers can cause movements on the foundations that will lead mortar cracks. Brick face coming off; on the brick making process, brick are made at extremely high temperatures and that helps bricks to absorb moisture for over 50 years, but when exposed to extreme moisture and sunlight back and forth, without a water sealer protection, it will star deteriorating over time.
Brick and Mortar cracks
fixing it right the first time
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Strong Brick Repairs is dedicated to providing high quality masonry services to the Houston area. Take a look below to find out what we specialize in, and get in touch with any additional questions or to learn more.
brick and mortar crack repairs on walls
ready to do the repair!
When there are major brick and mortar cracks that are the result of a foundation movement, the first step its to get the foundation level and then repair the brick and mortar cracks, if there is no major foundation movement the best way to do the repairs its not using regular mortar but a special paste mix that its made of specific masonry ingredients that will prevent the restored cracks from occurring again in the future if there is more movement. Find the right masonry contractor, We are here to assist you with a crew that has the knowledge and 10 plus years of experience.
Brick repairs on a damage wall
Broken bricks repairs
broken bricks by a car crash, the first thing to do its to inspect the wall from any loose edge, brick walls are attached to the framing of the house with brick tides- metal pieces that are nailed in to the framing and attached into the mortal, when there is an impact those brick tides will brake and will cause the wall to be loose. Removing the broken bricks and adding new brick tides will most likely take care of the repair, if the wall still loose after the first repairs adding fasteners in to the frame structure will take care of the issue. Fasters are long metal bolts that go into the mortar all the way in to the framing, some masonry decoration will be required to hide the fasteners.
Brick repairs on floor patios
Brick repairs on floor patios.
There are multiple factors for the need of brick repairs on floor bricks, uneven areas do to tree roots is the most common, not enough back support will cause the bricks to sink unevenly and brake as well, direct water exposure on one area will cause movement overtime as well. To have a good brick floor that will last, its necessary to have the area well inspected, away from tree roots, well supported bricks-usually masonry contractors use sand torpedo mix with mortar to lay bricks on patio floors, and last keeping water away from the brick floor, adding a water sealer will help maintain the bricks on a better shape.
Contact us today for more details about the services we offer.