2 Common Masonry Issues

Posted on: 12 October 2020

Masonry is anything that is made out of things like concrete, bricks, stones, or clay. Generally, the definition also includes the end product being constructed with mortar to hold all the stones, clay, etc. together. But there are some things, especially walls, that are put together without mortar that could still be considered as masonry. If you have a masonry wall, chimney, or patio, it is going to be exposed to the weather, which means that you'll run into some common problems that will need to be repaired. So, what are some of the most common problems you might run into with your masonry?

1. Cracking

There are several causes of cracking in your masonry. One of them can just be the normal settling and movement of your building, wall, or other masonry feature. Settling and movement happen as the soil moves, compresses, or decompresses. Anything that is on that soil is going to move along with the soil. Another cause of cracking in your masonry is that there are problems with the mortar that's holding the pieces together.

The problems could be that the mortar was poor when it was installed or installed poorly, or it could be that the mortar is just old and crumbly and falling out of the wall or other masonry feature. If you have cracks, then you need to call a contractor so that they can come in and evaluate the damage. They will be able to tell you if it is normal wear and tear or if it's the first signs that there are bigger problems. 

2. Spalling

Spalling happens when a brick or stone falls out of the wall and leaves you with an empty spot on your wall. This can be caused by the normal settling in your house or wall, but it could also be because moisture has gotten in between the brick or wall. As water gets into the wall, it can expand, which will start to push the brick or stone out of the wall. It may not happen immediately, but it can happen. 

If you have any kind of masonry at your house, you want to make sure that it looks good for as long as possible. If you have any issues, then you need to talk to companies such as A-1 Rooftop Chimney Sweep. They can help you address these two issues in a timely manner. 

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