Various problems associated with brick masonry walls and tips to rectify them

Brick Restoration Toronto based services can repair the voids caused by climatic conditions and other damages occurring due to aging in the joints between masonry bricks.

Common Problems in brick masonry 

Chimney Repairs - Loose bricks, broken bricks, damaged mortar, cracks in mortar extending along the cross section of chimney.

Repointing – This is the process of laying new mortar joints in masonry construction.

Brick Restoration is the repair of the voids in the joints between masonry units .Water ingress through these voids can lead to damage through freeze cycles and from salt dissolution and deposition.

Retaining Walls - The retaining wall is a supporting structure that is used to the hold sloping ground in its place and also to prevent the soil erosion. Retaining wall masonry may get damaged if there is frequent flooding of water due to blocks in the seepage holes. You must ensure that the seepage holes are kept free from mud and other waste. The bottom portion of the retaining walls may require periodical brick damage restoration work.

Efflorescence - When water saturated with dissolved salts evaporates from the masonry wall it leaves a salt deposit. The stain is termed as efflorescence. Salt deposition will lead to problems such as cracking. Salt crystals formed in the pores of the bricks may create sufficient pressure to crack the masonry. You have install weep holes, drips and flashing to prevent efflorescence, and avoid water from entering the wall. 

As a possible solution to efflorescence problems, flashing must be installed at the base, sill and roof locations during damage restoration. Flashing must be provided with end dams, and seems to be overlapped and properly sealed. Provide slip joints at intervals in metal flashing to allow for thermal expansion and contraction. 

Cracking is a major concern with brick masonry as all building materials expand and contract due to variation in atmospheric temperature. Concrete block cures and water evaporates, leading to shrinkage. On the contrary, clay bricks absorb moisture and expand permanently. In view of the above phenomenon, concrete block walls require control joints and brick walls require expansion joints.

Whether you need brick restoration Toronto or damage restoration Toronto, hire the services of VIP Building Restoration.