Damaged brick can be very alarming for homeowners. Who wouldn’t be startled to see the very shell of their house crumbling away? Damaged brick doesn’t always denote the same thing, but it usually means trouble.
In this article we answer the question why are my bricks falling down? We also help homeowners try to diagnose the problem, and give them all the information they need to decide when to call in the professionals.
Read on to learn more about your crumbling bricks problem.
Visible Warning Signs
The thing about brick and mortar is that it’s often easy to get a good idea of the material’s condition just by doing a visual inspection. This isn’t to say that your bricks will always be fine so long as everything looks good. However, it does mean that when there is a visually apparent issue, it typically signifies that things have already become dangerous. Once you find yourself asking, why are my bricks falling down? It’s usually time to call in the pros.
Crumbling or Falling Brick
When you find your brick wall falling, it means that repairs need to be made, and sooner rather than later. Often, this is a sign that there is a structural issue with your building—the sort of problem that could make it unsafe to inhabit at all.
A professional will be able to quickly give you an idea of the scope of the problem and get the ball rolling on what needs to happen next.
Missing Mortar
Missing mortar can appear underwhelming at first. Indeed, you may even be able to walk past it without noticing. Unfortunately, that missing line means more than you think. When the mortar is absent, it typically signifies that water has gotten into the brickwork, causing it to swell and then crumble away.
It’s a serious issue with the potential to cause mortar falling out of bricks to spread all throughout your wall. This can be avoided when you catch the problem early.
Bulging or Leaning Walls
Ah, a misshapen wall. A charming feature of an old home settling into its advanced age? Unfortunately not. Bulging or leaning walls represent a structural problem, usually quite significant. When you see this, assume a safe distance from the wall (it could fall at any moment) and call in the professionals right away.
White Powder
Efflorescence begins when water enters the brickwork, and then stays there. Usually, this means there is some sort of crack or hole that is allowing moisture to get in. When that happens, you must find the point of entry and seal it, or risk wondering, why are my bricks falling down?
The Possible Culprits
There are many threats to brick and mortar. Some of them can be avoided. Others are simple byproducts of age.
Water
Brick and mortar is, of course, designed to resist water. However, when water can infiltrate the interior of these materials, it can cause a big problem. First, the mortar will begin to crumble. Then, before too long, you will wonder, why are my bricks falling down?
Weathering
Over time, natural exposure to the elements will erode even very high-quality work. Wind, water, and adverse temperatures are powerful forces of nature, for which there is no permanent and indestructible defense.
To avoid the worst effects of weathering, you simply have to stay on top of upkeep. Call in the professionals immediately when you observe a problem.
Quality and Type of Mortar
In other situations, the composition of mortar can make a big difference in its performance. There are different varieties, each serving a specific purpose. In older homes, mortar often features a higher cement composition. Over time, the adhesive nature of this solution may erode, loosening the mortar’s connection to the brick.
What Do I Do About Cracking Bricks?
It’s best to handle cracking, crumbling, or falling brings quickly and calmly. While there is no need to panic, you should treat the situation with urgency. Call in the pros as soon as you notice a problem. Ask them, why are my bricks falling down, and then avoid the area in question.
Find a Trusted Masonry Company in Your Area
While the situation can be fairly urgent, it’s always best to get multiple quotes whenever possible. Don’t be afraid to reach out to several companies to get a comprehensive idea of your pricing options.
Know Your Numbers
Vetting several contractors gives you the opportunity to compare prices, and get a better idea of what your project will ultimately cost. Having a number in your head makes it much easier to select a contractor that suits your needs.
Repair or Replace?
The question of whether to repair or replace will be made by the professionals you call out. Still, it’s a good idea to talk the issue over with them and hear their recommendation. Repairing may be cheaper in the short term, but cost more in the long run.
To Put It Bluntly
When you notice crumbling or falling bricks, it usually means that the situation is pretty serious. Leaning walls can be very dangerous while deteriorating masonry work often signifies a larger structural issue with the building.
Treat the problem seriously, and call in the pros. The sooner you do, the more manageable the repair will be.
Get It Fixed Before It’s Unfixable!
Your brickwork requires the attention of the best possible professionals. Not only is it a safety issue but it also impacts the livability of your home. When crumbling masonry work gets out of hand, the home itself can become too dangerous to live in.
You don’t want that. Call in the pros as soon as you notice a problem, and get the issue worked out early. You’ll be glad you did.
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