Brick masonry walls are durable, but still need inspection.
While brick masonry walls are long lasting and durable, it is still important not to overlook their regular inspection and occasional maintenance, if it is required. Regular inspection will help you identify problems, and especially get a handle on small problems before they develop into large expensive ones. With regular inspection you avoid unpleasant surprises.
What To Look For While Inspecting Brick Masonry Walls
Look in the masonry itself for spalls, cracks, loose brick, deteriorated mortar, mortar cracks, vegetative growth, clogged weeps, deteriorated sealant, stains, efflorescence, water penetration, and out-of-plumb units. Inspect your flashings for pen lap joints, damage, missing areas, and stains. Take a close look at your copings, caps, and sill. Check for mortar hairline cracks, loose or open joints, inadequate slope, missing drips, and out of plumb units. If you find any of these issues present, they should be addressed and corrected quickly.
Cleaning Brick Masonry Walls
Before applying any kind of masonry cleaning product to brick masonry walls, ask the manufacturer. The precise additives, clays, shales, and coatings that make up a brick decide how it will best be cleaned. Choosing the wrong cleaning products for your individual brick could potentially damage it. You can also make use of pressure washers on the lowest possible setting. If using acid washing, proceed with caution as when done incorrectly this can stain, etch, and affect the lifespan of your brick.
Repairing Brick Masonry Walls
In cases of excessive wear or damage, repointing may be your only option. Repointing is the process through which damaged and deteriorated mortar is removed and replaced with new functional mortar. If mortar has become cracked or softened or has begun to crumble repointing becomes a necessity. It will protect the structure from water penetration and ultimately degrading entirely if left in a state of disrepair.
Brick Masonry Walls from Del Prete Masonry
For all of your questions regarding masonry repair and restoration, feel free to contact Del Prete Masonry. Our masonry restoration professionals have the experience and history of satisfied clients to prove that we’ll get the job done right, and cost-effectively. To get started with your masonry restoration project, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County.
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Tags: brick maintenance, brick masonry