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Maintaining the cleanliness and sealing of brick walls and other masonry or concrete surfaces is essential, yet often overlooked. Without proper care, water can seep into the bricks, leading to stains, trapping moisture, and causing brick damage such as spalling (when brick faces pop off). This can result in structural issues, water intrusion into the house, and subsequent problems like rotting wood and mold. To prevent this, it’s advisable to apply a breathable sealant to your bricks every 7 to 10 years.
Structural vs. Aesthetic Repairs
When addressing brick wall repairs, it’s crucial to determine whether the issue is structural or aesthetic. Structural repairs require extra caution because these bricks are typically part of the home’s load-bearing system. Foundations can be three bricks thick or more, with an additional brick for the exterior veneer. The structural integrity of these bricks is critical, as they support the weight of the home.
Therefore, finding a skilled and experienced mason is vital for brick repairs. A qualified mason will ensure that the job is done correctly and safely.
Tuckpointing and Replacing Bricks
Common repairs for brick walls and foundations include replacing damaged bricks and tuckpointing cracked or deteriorated mortar joints. Tuckpointing involves grinding out about ¾ of an inch of the existing mortar and refilling it with new mortar. It’s important to use the correct
type of mortar; using the wrong kind can cause further damage to the bricks.
If a brick needs to be replaced, a good mason can usually find a close match to the existing bricks. While an exact match may not always be possible, especially if the original bricks are no longer manufactured, a close match is often achievable.
The Importance of Experience
Hiring someone without the necessary skills can lead to mismatched repairs or even more damage, such as additional bricks breaking off. In some cases, an inexperienced worker may cause the situation to spiral out of control, potentially leading to injury or abandonment of the project, leaving you with unfinished work and lost money.
The cost of repairing brick walls and floors will vary depending on the size of the project and the extent of the damage. Luckily, the experts at Force Basements are there for you every step of the way. Contact us for more information about foundation repairs or request an estimate.
