With fall on our doorstep, it’s a good time to walk around your property and check the state of your brickwork before the weather turns colder. It’s important to do this now before snow and ice hide small problems that you won’t be able to see till spring. Take a close look at your masonry work and follow these seven steps. If you see anything concerning, reach out to your trusted Michigan brick contractor sooner rather than later.
1. Front Porch and Steps
Starting with the front porch and steps, be on the lookout for:
- Loose or shifting bricks and pavers
- Crumbling or missing mortar
- Uneven steps or cracks
- Sunken or shifting areas
- Movement around railings
These problems aren’t just unappealing to look at, they also pose tripping hazards. These uneven surfaces become even more risky once covered by leaves, ice or snow.
2. Chimney
It’s natural to concentrate on areas that are at eye level. But take a look up at your chimney from the ground – with binoculars if necessary. Look for:
- Cracked or deteriorating mortar
- Loose, missing or damaged brick
- Areas that appear to be crumbling
- Visible leaning or changes in alignment
- Signs of deterioration around the upper portion or crown
You may need masonry chimney repair in Metro Detroit if these issues seem to have gotten worse over the summer.
3. Windows and Doors
Visually inspect the areas around your windows and doors to check for:
- New cracks that extend from corners
- Mortar gaps
- Loose or deteriorated brick
- Changes around sills
- Separation where masonry meets the window and door area
4. Retaining Walls
Inspect retaining walls for signs of:
- Leaning or bowing
- Shifting blocks/bricks
- Cracks
- Sections that have separated from one another
- Soil washing out nearby
- Noticeable changes since spring and summer
5. Walkways and Edges
Pay particular attention to changes in the level of your walkways as well as their edges.
Look for:
- Raised or sunken pavers
- Widening gaps
- Loose edge pavers
- Shifting areas
- Spots where water collects after every storm
- Trip hazards
Rest assured, our Michigan brick contractors specialize in paver repair, along with releveling and resanding.
6. Downspouts
Your downspouts should be positioned in such a way that water runs away from your foundation.
Questions to ask yourself when inspecting areas around downspouts include:
- Where does the water go?
- Does the downspout empty out directly beside masonry?
- Is there staining or dampness?
- Are there signs of soil erosion?
- Does one area stay wet longer than the rest?
Water patterns can be helpful in addressing concerning areas that you need to keep an eye on.
7. Wherever Brick Meets Something Else
Transitional areas are important to look at, particularly new gaps, separation, cracking or obvious movement. Look at areas between:
- Brick and siding
- Brick and concrete
- Brick and stone
- Masonry and doors/windows
- Porch or steps and the house
Assessing Your Findings
Not every crack or gap indicates a major problem. But if you see something that has gotten worse this year or have any other concerns, it’s best just to have a brick contractor in Metro Detroit take a look this fall.
Contact It’s The Brick Guys
If you have spotted something concerning during your fall walk-around, call us to schedule a free estimate on an inspection or brick and masonry repair at (833) 627-4257.
