Masonry is a popular building material because it’s durable, easy to work with and can be used for projects from structural walls to houses and even buildings. Masonry contractors are experts in the field but may not be able to fix all the problems that arise with your masonry. If you notice cracks, water leaks or other issues with your home’s masonry that have gone unnoticed for months or years then it might be time to call in a professional. Here are some common masonry problems homeowners face.
1. Cracked mortar joints
Cracked mortar joints are a common problem with masonry construction, and they can be repaired by skilled masonry contractors. If you notice that your mortar joints are cracked, it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible because they can lead to other issues like water infiltration or mold growth if left unattended.
To fix cracked mortar joints:
- Clean out any debris from the crack using a wire brush attachment on your power drill and/or compressed air (if available).
- Apply an appropriate sealant according to manufacturer instructions, allowing it time to dry before applying grout over top of it
2. Water intrusion behind masonry walls
Water intrusion behind masonry walls is a common problem. It can cause damage to the mortar, which will lead to cracks in your walls. The water will also cause mold and mildew to grow, which can be very dangerous for you and your family. If there’s too much moisture in the wall, it can also cause wood framing to rot out from underneath it. And if you don’t take care of these issues right away, they’ll continue spreading until they eventually lead towards bigger problems like paint peeling or even structural damage!
3. Cracked mortar
Cracked mortar is a problem that you will often face when working with masonry. It can occur for a variety of reasons and cause complications in your project. To prevent this issue from arising, you should understand what causes it and how to fix it if it does occur.
Cracked mortar is caused by moisture in the brick or stone being absorbed into the mortar between each brick or stone layer. If there is too much water content within this space, then cracks will form as they dry out over time due to evaporation through exposure to air currents around them–especially windy days! This means that if you live in an area where temperatures fluctuate widely throughout the year (eastern states), then chances are good that cracked mortar may be common due to seasonal changes alone!
4. Mortar erosion
Masonry mortar is made of lime, sand and water. Water is the main cause of mortar erosion. When you mix these ingredients together and put them in place, they become hard like stone but also porous enough to allow for water penetration through the cracks and joints between bricks or stones. The problem with this is that once it gets into those spaces it will begin to erode away at the mortar holding your masonry unit together until there’s nothing left but dust.
5. Wall cracks
Wall cracks are a common problem in masonry. These can be easy to overlook if you’re not looking for them. Wall cracks form when the mortar between bricks or stones becomes loose. Or it separates from the face of the material it’s holding together.
Wall cracks can occur due to several reasons:
- Poorly constructed joints: If your mason didn’t use enough mortar to fill in all of the spaces between bricks, then those spaces will eventually open up and cause a crack. Similarly, if they used too much mortar or placed it at an angle that isn’t straight (like with bricklaying), then this too could cause problems down the line when water gets into those gaps and causes further damage by freezing over time (or even just slowly seeping through).
- Excessive moisture: Cracks are also common after heavy rains. Because even though water won’t necessarily get into your wall directly through these openings. Unless they’re quite large-it will still get underneath. Here it shouldn’t be by penetrating deeper than usual due to increased pressure from outside forces acting upon each other.
6. Weep holes in masonry walls
Weep holes are necessary for all masonry walls. When walls are built with mortar, the mortar joints can crack and allow moisture to get through. This will cause damage to your wall and may even cause it to fall down.
However, weep holes allow water to drain away from the wall. So that you don’t have to worry about leaks or other problems caused by moisture in your home.
7. Cavities in the wall
Cavities in your masonry walls could be a sign of structural damage. Did you notice a cavity in one of your masonry walls? It could be by termites or other insects that have been eating through the wood in your home. These cavities can cause serious structural damage and should inspect by a professional immediately.
The best way to fix these issues is by hiring a masonry contractor. They will be able to assess your situation and provide the right solution for your needs.