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