Brick is a long-time favorite for homes and businesses of all kinds, providing a distinct look for buildings, walls, gates, and other features. While long-lasting, brick does have certain maintenance requirements. There are several factors to consider when restoring brick structures with varying levels of aesthetic or structural damage.
Repairing Mortar
Brick structures are held together with a special cement mixture between individual bricks. Mortar is what makes brick structures possible, creating a way for the strength of individual bricks to be used in a practical construction method.
However, mortar is often among the first elements of a brick structure to deteriorate. It wears down over time due to the elements. The degrading appearance of mortar is usually the first sign of wear noticeable in brick structures.
During a brick restoration, some of the mortar can be removed and replaced with new mortar to restore the look and integrity of the brick. This has to be done through a specific process that includes wetting the area to ensure proper adhesion of the new mortar, so it’s best left to the professionals.
Restoring Brick Color
Brick structures can remain structurally sound for exceedingly long periods of time before serious brick restoration is required. However, during that time, you’ll likely notice issues with the appearance of the bricks. Brick restoration can also solve these aesthetic problems.
Color tends to be one of the primary areas of concern with brick structures. Most brick structures are a familiar red, but bricks are available in virtually any color. That color can fade as the brick accumulates dirt and contaminants.
Brick restoration for color is essentially a specialized type of cleaning. Pressure washing deals with the majority of the grime that has accumulated. Vacuuming is also used to provide a deeper clean, as bricks are highly porous.
Repointing
If you look at a brand-new brick structure, you’ll likely notice the impressive sharpness of the joints between the bricks and mortar. However, this sharpness doesn’t last. Over time, mortar can shift, expand, and contract until it becomes deformed.
When this happens, cracks or gaps open in the mortar or between the bricks and mortar. This is bad news for brick structures, as it allows water to creep deeper into the structure and cause further issues.
Repointing is a type of brick restoration that restores these joints to like-new condition. By scraping away some of the exterior mortar and replacing it, a new seal can be created. This recovers that sharp and distinct appearance while also keeping water out.
Waterproofing
Like many other types of masonry, brick structures are susceptible to water damage. Overall, brick does hold up well, but water can eventually break it down. A poorly maintained brick wall can quickly succumb to water damage due to the number of cracks and gaps that water can reach.
The bricks themselves are made of highly porous material that readily absorbs water. As a result, most brick structures will have some type of waterproofing, but this coating can gradually degrade.
Brick restoration can apply new waterproofing to keep water out and prevent further wear. There are a variety of different types of coatings that can be used to waterproof brick, depending on your individual needs.
Repairing Cracks
Brick structures are subject to a variety of forces and wear. This wear can lead to cracks forming. You might notice cracks in either the mortar or the bricks themselves.
In general, a brick restoration can repair most types of cracks. It can be tempting to pick up some type of filler at the hardware store to simply patch the cracks, but that might not be the best course of action. You could be dealing with more serious issues than you realize.
If bricks are cracking, this typically means there is another structural issue causing the cracks in the first place. You should have professionals take a look to find out whether the problem goes deeper than the cracks themselves.
It’s also important to note whether you’re dealing with cracks in individual bricks or across an entire region. If a crack runs through multiple bricks or creates a staircase shape along them, then something is likely wrong with your foundation or other parts of your building’s structure.
Replacing Bricks
In some cases, you may find yourself dealing with loose bricks. This can occur due to weakened mortar or other issues. Loose bricks can result in further damage if they aren’t repaired.
When a brick becomes loose, it’s no longer bearing its share of the pressure and forces of the structure. This creates additional stress on other bricks, which can lead to cracks and other damage. Ignoring loose bricks could lead to the need for much more serious repairs in the long run.
Oftentimes, a loose or broken brick can simply be replaced. In fact, if your brick came loose due to degraded mortar, you can likely keep the same brick. The brick restoration will simply require removing the brick and surrounding mortar and replacing the brick with new mortar.
Like with other types of brick restoration, however, replacing bricks is generally best left to the professionals. For example, you could find yourself dealing with many bricks that need to be replaced instead of just one. If that’s the case, additional care needs to be taken to prevent further damage to the structure.
A Professional Can Prevent Additional Damage
There are many complicating factors you can encounter when restoring the bricks of your home or business. These factors may result in more damage if not accounted for properly. A professional not only restores your structure’s brick but also anticipates any damage that could occur in the process.
Make Your Brick Like New Again
If you need brick restoration for your home or business in the Delaware Valley, you can count on the professionals at McNamara Masonry. With nearly 30 years of masonry restoration experience, our team will have your brick looking as good as new. Contact us to revitalize your building today.
