Brick is a classic building material that has been used for centuries

Brick is a classic building material that has been used for centuries

Brick is a classic building material that has been used for centuries. It is known for its durability and strength, but even brick can succumb to the elements over time. If you have brick walls or brickwork on your home, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of damage. Cracks, chips, and missing mortar are all indications that brick repair may be necessary.

There are a few different methods that can be used to repair brickwork. Mortar can be used to fill in cracks and gaps, and new bricks can be laid to replace damaged ones. In some cases, brick veneer may be the best option to give your home a fresh look. Regardless of the repair method you choose, it is important to work with a qualified brick mason to ensure that the job is done correctly. With proper care and maintenance, your brickwork will last for many years to come.

Over time, the brick on a house can start to show signs of wear and tear. brick masonry repair is a process of repairing brickwork that has been damaged by weathering, age, or structural instability. The first step in brick repair is to assess the damage and determine the best course of corrective action. Once the damage has been assessed, the brick masonry repair process can begin. This typically involves removing the damaged brick and replacing it with new brick. In some cases, brick masonry repair may also involve reinforcing the existing brickwork with steel rods or other support structures. Regardless of the scope of the project, brick masonry repair is a complex process that should only be carried out by experienced professionals.

If you have questions about brick repair or would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact us today. We would be happy to discuss your options and help you choose the best solution for your home.

Brick Repair

Brick Repair

Brick repair means properly maintaining your home’s foundation. This assists in the prevention of cracks in the structure of your home, both internally and externally. My primary concern is in dealing with cracks which appear on the exterior of your home in the brickwork.

Specialized Masonry Restoration of McKinney, Texas, has been involved in the restoration and repair of many different types of masonry structures, both large and small. Some of the major problems we encounter include deteriorated mortar joints and cracked bricks or mortar. Typical repairs for these common problems include repointing deteriorated and cracked mortar joints and removal and replacement of cracked or distressed brickwork.

Whether or not you have just had your building foundation repaired, it is imperative that any defective brickwork be repaired to prevent moisture penetration, a major cause of mold and mildew.

It is especially important to prevent access to the interior by insects and also by rodents and reptiles that will seek warm, damp places to reside. The repair of such damage is of major importance to your well-being and your long-term investment in your property.

In additional common problem comes from moisture saturation, which is usually caused by severe weather, incorrectly-placed sprinkler systems, or defective guttering. These combinations can further aggravate, if not be the cause of, existing problems.

MAINTENANCE & PREVENTATIVE METHODS SPRINKLERS

Check to ensure that your sprinklers are positioned appropriately. It is important that you are watering only your plants and not your home. If you do find areas where this is occurring, then adjust your sprinklers as necessary or have your landscape or irrigation contractor adjust the sprinkler heads. If at all possible, we suggest using soaker hoses on planting beds in close proximity to the house.

GUTTERING

After a heavy rain has passed, check your walls visually to see if any areas of brick work are saturated. This is a good indication of your gutters being in need of maintenance.

It is important to keep guttering clear of debris which can come from either leaves falling from trees or wear and tear on the shingles which deposits silt into the guttering and will eventually create clogged areas. Over a period of time, the sealant used between the joints during the fabrication of guttering can deteriorate, allowing the gutter to drip moisture onto the brickwork.

CAULKING

Windows around your property should be inspected periodically for cracks, separation, or wear and tear. When defects are noted it is recommended that new caulking be applied. The best time to apply caulk is during dry weather when the outdoor temperature is above 45 � Fahrenheit. According to the researchers at Michigan State University, the money you spend on caulking or weatherstripping is usually recovered in one heating season or less.

REPAIRING CRACKED BRICKS AND MORTAR

SMR utilizes a revolutionary technique developed in Europe, using the latest patented technology to make precision cuts in brick work — Precision which is impossible to achieve using traditional methods.

The tool we use provides for an almost dust-free environment, which is welcomed by the customer as it keeps debris to a minimum, and also provides a healthier, safer work environment for the operator. Using this tool, we are able to quickly and economically repair the damaged area and achieve the aesthetic look the customer desires. Using our system we have effectively obsoleted the old-fashioned, time-consuming method of using a hammer and chisel or large grinder to take the bricks out.

There are many times when SMR is called upon to assist engineers and foundation repair companies to go beyond the normal scope of work practiced by builders. When a foundation is being lifted, isolated areas of affected brick often need to be cut out to allow the foundation to be leveled. What this requires is a coordinated effort in repairing the home to prevent further damage being done to the brickwork. When reinstating brickwork, it is important that the color be matched as close as commercially possible.

HOW TO LOCATE A QUALIFIED MASONRY SPECIALIST

  • A good source of information is the Foundation Repair Association, Dallas Chapter. Members, most especially Jim Dutton of Du-West Foundation Repair and Tom Witherspoon of S&W Foundation Repair will recommend the most qualified masonry repair specialists available.
  • A good masonry repair specialist should provide references on work they have completed in the past 3 to 5 years.
  • Make sure the company has general liability insurance.
  • Check the company you are planning to use with The Better Business Bureau to ensure there are no unresolved complaints against it.
  • Get two competitive bids, but remember that cheaper isn’t always better

Brick repair is essential to preserving the value of your home.

Brick is a classic building material that has been used for centuries

Cracked and damaged brickwork

These columns had cracked and damaged brickwork caused by expanding corroded steel, embedded in the brick work above the entryway to the church. A small piece fell down on a member of the congregation, which alerted the church to the danger.

We were able to take the columns down successfully, and rebuild them, allowing the entryway to be used safely again.

If you have cracked and damaged brickwork, it needs to be stabilized. Specialized Masonry Restoration, McKinney, Texas, are experts at installing specialized wall anchors that stabilize brick.

Have you checked your building for cracked and damaged brickwork lately?

Dropped and bowing brickwork cracked above my garage door

Dropped and bowing brickwork cracked above my garage door

If you have dropped and bowing brickwork above your garage door, in all likelihood your lintel needs to be replaced. A lintel is the horizontal support above door openings and windows. If installed too short, the weight of the brick or stone will force the lintel to bow, which can lead to collapse. Because it is steel, it  can rust severely over the years. This causes a structural defect which create cracks around door/window/garage openings due to the expansion of the rust.D

Do you have dropped and bowing brickwork cracked above your garage door? If so, contact Specialized Masonry Restoration of  McKinney, Texas for help.