What’s in Your Walls?
Urgent Attention Needed: The Rising Concerns in the Masonry Repair Industry
Penned by Alan Pettingale in 2009, this article explores the alarming trends in the masonry repair industry that have been observed over the years. A decade on, these concerns still hold relevance and require immediate attention.
The Overlooked Cost of Foundation Repair
Recent surveys have highlighted an alarming statistic: billions of dollars are spent annually on foundation repair in the United States. This is a staggering figure, like the amount spent on remedying damages from floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes.
In stark contrast, the expenditure on masonry restoration remains alarmingly low. This is surprising, given that foundation damage usually impacts the supported masonry above. This trend indicates an urgent need to shift focus to masonry inspection and repair.
The Hidden Dangers in New Structures
Adding to the problem, poor workmanship in new structures is causing significant masonry damage. From corroded wall ties discovered within a year of construction to blocked cavities in veneer walls preventing weep holes from functioning, these issues are becoming increasingly common.
The Aging Historic Buildings
Our historic buildings are starting to show their age and require urgent repairs. Small towns keen to rejuvenate their historic squares are inadvertently putting visitors at risk from falling masonry and collapsing structures. Despite the appeal of these revitalized spaces, the potential hazards are being overlooked.
The Silent Impact of Masonry Problems
The repercussions of masonry problems, like the health hazards posed by black mold or the damage caused by infestation, are significant. Yet, these outcomes are not often attributed to their root cause – failing masonry work.
An Impending Epidemic
Given the current neglect and the impact of failing masonry on both private and public buildings, we are on the brink of an epidemic. With few existing provisions and guidelines for specialized masonry repair techniques, and decision makers lacking sufficient knowledge, we are ill-prepared for what lies ahead.
The Need for Attention and Education
Professor Tom Grimm once stated that of the approximately 12,000 papers written on masonry, nearly all focus on new construction. This highlights the pressing need for economic and effective masonry repair methods.
The Role of The Masonry Society
The Masonry Society has positioned itself as a valuable resource in this crucial area. By coordinating between field practitioners and bringing theoretical and practical knowledge into play, they’re making a difference.
Conclusion
The building industry needs to shift its focus from erecting new structures to preserving existing ones. We must protect the assets we already have, from individual family homes to our national heritage enshrined in our courthouses, city halls, churches and town squares.
Join the movement. Make a difference. Let’s ensure that these alarming trends in the masonry repair industry are addressed effectively and promptly. #jointheTMS #makeadifference #Tom Grimm
The Leaning Tower of Pisa has nothing on your Leaning Brick Chimney!
If you own a leaning brick chimney, you might already know what it’s like to have a leaning tower on your property. It doesn’t take a lot to make a brick chimney start to lean – rain, wind, and even earthquakes can all play a role. It’s easy to ignore a leaning chimney, but don’t! Here are some reasons why you should repair it sooner rather than later.
Prevent Damage to Your Home: Leaning chimneys can be a real danger to your home and family. Heavy bricks could fall from the chimney and cause severe damage to your roof or property. Moreover, the chimney may crack and let moisture seep into your home’s structure, leading to costly damage. It’s better and less expensive to repair any potential problems before they cause harm to your property.
Improve Structural Stability: A chimney that’s leaning can cause the building structure to become unstable. If not fixed, the weight distribution will be altered, and it could eventually collapse or damage your home’s overall stability. By repairing a leaning chimney, you can increase the longevity and safety of your home.
Reduce Energy Bills: A leaning chimney can also affect your home’s heating. If it’s not straight, it could prevent warm air from rising correctly and escaping efficiently. This inefficient airflow could cost you money by raising your energy bills. By repairing a leaning chimney, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency, save money, and increase comfort in the process.
Boost Your Curb Appeal: A charming and well-maintained chimney can improve the appearance of your home’s exterior. A leaning and cracked chimney can affect your property’s curb appeal, lowering the value of your home. By repairing it, you can give an instant lift to your home’s look and put it back on the market.
Conclusion: Don’t wait any longer to repair your leaning chimney. Prevention is always better than the cure. As you can see, a small problem can cause more significant issues in the long run. So, take action now to protect your home, boost its value and increase your comfort while saving on energy bills in the process.