If you have been living in your house for a while, then you might not know much about the foundation and how it was constructed. Masonry materials are a great choice for a foundation structure, but they need to be checked every so often to make sure they are holding up properly. Here is what you should look for to make sure that your foundation doesn’t need any repairs.
Check the Mortar Joints
The weakest spot of any masonry structure is the mortar joints because the mortar isn’t quite as durable as the brick itself. When mortar starts to deteriorate, it might show cracks or crumbling. Also, if the mortar joints are slanted, that means that the entire foundation itself has started shifting too much, which could lead to other structural problems.
Look for Cracks
In any masonry structure, cracks are always a warning sign. Your foundation will have been subject to a lot of weight from your house, and with gravity, some shifting is natural. So if you see a couple of tiny cracks here and there, it’s not a big problem. However, if you notice larger cracks or see that the same cracks are spreading over time, then you should have them checked by a professional. It’s never a bad idea to ask a professional anyway if you aren’t sure about the severity of the cracks you find.
Patchwork Job
Sometimes, when you have a house, you don’t know what happened to the foundation with previous owners. Any repairs done to a masonry structure should be virtually seamless. If you notice an obvious or out-of-place patch job, then it might mean that it was done by an inexperienced person or with low-quality materials. You should ask a masonry contractor if this repair will hold or if it’s covering up a bigger issue.
Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Next Masonry Project
If you are ready to upgrade your home or commercial building with professional masonry installation or replacement, Del Prete Masonry has the experience and expertise to get the job done right for the right price. To explore our residential and commercial services and set up a consultation, please give us a call at 410-683-0650 or contact us online. We currently serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and get more updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.