by AlandMel | Sep 11, 2023 | Historic Restoration, Masonry Problems
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
by AlandMel | Sep 6, 2023 | Historic Restoration, Leaning brickwork
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.
by AlandMel | Aug 25, 2023 | Brick Repair, Dallas Fort Worth Area
Introduction:
Brick is an evergreen material for construction worldwide due to its durability, classic look, and high value. However, as time passes, bricks can experience various issues, such as chipping, cracking, and fading. Thus, the need for brick repair arises. Brick repair includes cleaning, sealing, and replacing damaged bricks. In this article, we will explore how to repair bricks, how to educate yourself on brick maintenance, and how to remediate possible issues.
- Fixing:
Fixing bricks requires a few simple steps. Firstly, cleaning the bricks is essential. Use mild cleaners to remove dirt and other elements that can stain the bricks. Next, replace any damaged bricks to prevent further damage. Suppose you notice wear and tear in the bricks, such as cracks, chips, or holes. Use masonry drills and chisels to remove the damaged bricks and replace them with new ones. And a color matched mortar for repointing.
- Educating:
A smart homeowner always educates themselves in various maintenance tasks concerning their home, including bricks. Educating yourself in brick maintenance includes knowing how to prevent issues and the signs of when to hire professionals. To prevent brick issues, regularly clean your bricks with mild cleansers and avoid high-pressure washing. Furthermore, pay attention to the signs of when you need to call professionals, such as large-area damage or any mysterious moisture buildup.
- Remediation:
If you don’t correctly remediate any brick issues, you can worsen the problem. The most common issue homeowners face is moisture. Moisture buildup in bricks can lead to considerable damage. That’s why it’s essential to remediate harvest rebricking and re-pointing. Harvest rebricking includes replacing the source of moisture by installing proper flashing. Re-pointing involves being on the lookout for any cracks or gaps in the mortar. These gaps can allow moisture inside and severely damage the bricks.
- Protecting:
Preventative measures are crucial for the long-term protection of your bricks. A common method of protection is brick sealing. Sealing bricks prevents moisture and other contaminants from harming them, protecting the bricks under various weather conditions. For this, choose a high-quality sealer and use thin layers, applying them in both horizontal and vertical layers to ensure full coverage.
Conclusion:
In summary, brick repair is crucial to the longevity of your home’s bricks. Maintaining and protecting your bricks can save you money in the long term. Brick repair includes fixing, educating, remediation, and protecting your bricks. With this comprehensive guide, you can now protect and maintain your home’s most basic yet most critical material – bricks.
by AlandMel | Aug 3, 2023 | Brick Repair
Are you concerned about the cracks in your bricks? Do you think they would look unappealing to your house visitors? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Many homeowners in Dallas, Texas, share your concerns, but luckily, there is a solution. It’s time to repair those cracks and give your home the upgrade it needs. Plus, it’s not that complicated. So, are you ready to learn more about brick repair in Dallas, Texas? Then keep on reading!
What causes cracks in bricks?
Before you start repairing your bricks, you need to understand what causes cracks. It could be various reasons from natural wear and tear to weather conditions. Cracks in the bricks are often caused by expanding and contracting due to temperature changes, moisture, or rapid weather changes. To prevent further damage, have an expert inspect your bricks and determine the cause of the cracks. It will help you avoid facing the same problem in the future.
How to repair the cracks?
There are many ways to repair the cracks in your bricks, but before you start any DIY projects, it’s better to consult an expert. Remember, you don’t want to make things worse. If you know how extensive the damage is, you can find the right approach. Some might need minor repairs, while others will require complete replacing. Depending on the extent of the damage, you might need new bricks or mortar to fill in the gaps. A professional will know how to repair them safely and thoroughly. However, if you do decide to try a DIY project, make sure to have all the necessary tools and materials as well as follow the safety precautions.
How much does brick repair cost in Dallas, Texas?
The cost of brick repair varies depending on the size of the job. A small job could cost you a few hundred dollars, but if the damage is extensive, it could cost into the thousands. It’s best to get an estimate from an expert before making any decisions. Also, it’s important to remember that the cost of repairing the damage is far less than replacing the entire brick wall.
How long does brick repair take?
It’s hard to estimate the time it takes to repair a brick wall as it varies from a few days to a few weeks. It depends on the amount of damage, the complexity of the repair, and the availability of the materials. Keep in mind that the weather can affect the speed of the repair.
How to maintain your brick walls?
Once your brick walls are repaired, it’s important to maintain them to avoid future damages. Regular cleaning and sealing will prevent further cracking. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and debris, and make sure to wash it gently with a mild detergent. Avoid using pressure washers as they can damage the mortar and cause more cracks.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, if you have cracks in your bricks, don’t worry. There are solutions out there, and they are not that complicated or expensive. All you have to do is find a professional for consultation and repairs. They’ll be able to identify the cause of the cracks, the best way to repair them and help you maintain your brick walls to avoid future damages. Don’t wait any longer. Contact Specialized Masonry Restoration now and give your home the upgrade it needs.
by AlandMel | Aug 1, 2023 | Brick Repair
What You Need to Know
If your home or building is constructed from brick or masonry, it’s essential to ensure that any damage or wear is addressed as quickly as possible. But how do you know if you need brick repair or masonry restoration? Aren’t they the same thing? Not necessarily. While the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are significant differences between them. In this blog post, we’ll explore what brick repair and masonry restoration involve, and help you determine which option is best suited for your needs.
Brick repair involves fixing individual bricks that are damaged or deteriorating. This can be caused by a range of factors, including weathering, impact damage, or faulty construction. Brick repair can take many forms, depending on the severity and location of the damage. For example, if a single brick is cracked or chipped, it can often be replaced relatively easily. If there are widespread issues with the mortar between the bricks, however, re-pointing may be necessary. This involves removing the old mortar and replacing it with fresh material. Brick repair can be an effective way to address relatively minor damage to your building’s exterior.
Masonry restoration is a much more extensive process than brick repair. It involves repairing and rebuilding large sections of your building’s masonry, including walls, chimneys, and arches. Masonry restoration is typically needed when a building’s masonry has deteriorated significantly due to age, weathering, or other factors. Restoration may involve crafting new bricks and stones to match the original designs, re-pointing the mortar, and even rebuilding entire sections of the building from the ground up. Masonry restoration requires significant expertise and experience and usually results in a near-new appearance of the entire masonry structure.
The cost of brick repair vs masonry restoration can vary significantly. Brick repair is typically less expensive since it involves fixing or replacing individual bricks or sections of mortar. The cost of masonry restoration can be quite high since it’s a much more extensive project that requires significant amounts of time, labor, and materials. However, the investment in masonry restoration is worth it if you want to restore your building’s historical integrity or improve its significant value.
When considering whether to choose brick repair or masonry restoration, there are some essential factors that come into play. If you have a historic building, masonry restoration may be necessary to maintain the original aesthetic. In contrast, if you only have a few damaged bricks or mortar, brick repair may be more cost-effective, and there may not be a need to restore the building’s entire masonry. It’s good to hire a masonry restoration consultant to discuss what works best for your building’s needs and budget.
Conclusion:
Knowing the difference between brick repair and masonry restoration can save you time, money, and effort when it comes to repairing and maintaining your building’s exterior. Brick repair tends to be much less expensive than masonry restoration, but it may not always be the best option if your building’s masonry has been severely affected. In any case, it’s crucial to work with experienced professionals who can provide you with an accurate assessment of the damage and restoration needs of your building.
