Common Types of Damage to Brick

A brick façade, if it is maintained properly, can be a beautiful and rustic feature in or outside any home. Whether your home’s exterior is made of brick siding or your fireplace is encased in a brick mantle, the aesthetic appeal is undeniable. That’s why it’s such a shame when the surface is damaged or falls into disrepair. Luckily, masonry repair in Marietta can take care of the problem and restore your brick façade to its original beauty. There are a few common causes of damage, so if your brick is suffering from any of the following, it might be time to call in professionals for a repair job.

Cracking

In some ways, cracking is a natural consequences of brick’s aging process, so it is not necessarily indicative of any greater problem. Occasionally, however, cracking in a brick façade is due to issues with the foundation. It may also be due to a cavity in the masonry wall. As the structure surrounding brick expands and contracts, it creates pressure that can rupture the surface and cause cracks. Regardless of how exactly the crack occurred, though, investing in masonry repair in Marietta can remedy the problem and prevent any further cracking from taking place.

Spalling

Perhaps you have seem brick facades that appear to be gradually flaking away. In fact, maybe this is the problem you are having with your brick surface. The flaked-off portion might be a large chunk of the brick or just the top of its surface. This problem is called spalling, and it is quite common among brick facades found outdoors. It occurs when the surface of a brick becomes frozen from moisture trapped inside, which then creates pressure with breaks part of the brick. The problem can be visually identified, and it is sometimes attributed to sealant applied to the brick that makes it impossible for moisture to be absorbed.

Efflorescence

Sometimes when excessive moisture is trapped within a brick, it begins to leak through the masonry. A crystalline, white-colored substance may form on the surface of the brick as a result. This substance is crystallized salt that accumulates and adheres to the brick. Typically, efflorescence can be remedied by simply scrubbing the exterior of the brick, but if the problem is neglected, it may eventually cause more serious damage. You could see cracking and spalling result, too, if the underlying issue is not eventually treated. Masonry repair in Marietta can treat both the cosmetic and structural problem.