There are few building materials that are as durable and attractive as bricks. Not only do they add curb appeal and timeless charm to your property, they are built to last. However, even the best materials can start to degrade over time due to weather exposure, moisture, settling, and age.
The good news is that your brick walkways, retaining walls, and patios can be repaired and look like new when issues are caught and repaired early. Here’s a look at the five most common brick problems homeowners encounter and how professional masons in Metro Detroit can fix them.
1. Cracked or Damaged Bricks
Commonly caused by freeze-thaw cycles, impacts, or structural movement, cracked bricks are not only unsightly and unsafe, but they also compromise the integrity of the structure. Those tiny gaps allow water to enter whenever it rains or snows, which then expands and worsens cracks.
How professionals fix it:
Michigan brick repair experts can assess the situation to see if the cracks are cosmetic or structural in nature. They can remove individual damaged bricks and replace them with matching bricks for a consistent look without disturbing the surrounding brickwork.
2. Deteriorating Mortar Joints
Mortar is the glue that holds bricks together and protects them from moisture. This mortar can crack, erode, or crumble with age – a common issue in older brick structures.
How professionals fix it:
Tuckpointing is when deteriorated mortar is removed and replaced with new mortar. Your brick expert can match the original mortar in color and composition for a uniform look. This process boosts appearance and prevents moisture from seeping behind the brick.
3. Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a white, chalky residue that appears on brick surfaces. Moisture draws the salts within the brick or mortar, leading to this unsightly condition. While not a sign of a structural issue, it is a sign of moisture problems that should be addressed.
How professionals fix it:
Your Michigan masons will first address the source of moisture, then thoroughly clean the efflorescence with products and techniques that will not damage the brick. They may suggest sealing the brick to prevent the same issue from happening in the future.
4. Spalling Bricks
Spalling is when the surface of a brick flakes, chips, or peels away, usually after water penetrates the material and expands with freezing temperatures.
How professionals fix it:
Spalling bricks usually need to be completely replaced rather than repaired. Masons will remove the damaged bricks, address the root cause (usually water infiltration), and install new bricks.
5. Leaning or Bulging Brick Walls
A leaning or bulging brick retaining wall signals structural foundation problems – a serious issue that should be fixed immediately to prevent worsening damage or safety risks.
How professionals fix it:
After a thorough inspection to determine the root cause, your masonry contractor may have to rebuild affected sections, reinforce the wall, or address foundation or drainage issues. When caught early enough, a full reconstruction is usually not needed.
Importance of Professional Brick Repair in Metro Detroit
If you’re handy, you may assume you can handle these brick issues on your own. After all, they seem relatively minor, right? Wrong. You can actually make the problem worse with DIY efforts when you use the wrong mortar, mismatched bricks, or incorrect techniques. This inexperience and lack of proper tools can damage the structure and reduce its lifespan.
Professional masons in Michigan come equipped with the right tools, training, and experience to not only diagnose issues correctly but they use techniques that will extend the lifespan of your brick structures.
Like any material, brick needs some TLC over the years. While issues like spalling and cracking are common, they need to be fixed properly by trained professionals. That’s where we come in.
Contact It’s The Brick Guys
Our team offers professional repairs that restore the strength, safety, and appearance of your brickwork. If you have noticed any of the above problems, contact us to schedule a free estimate.
