Masonry walls can be very beautiful and last hundreds if not thousands of years if maintained correctly. This is exactly our problem, they are not maintained! We live in a state where rain is a norm. Water loves to find its way into things and often cause us problems. Nonetheless, water is not the problem, we are. For many of years I have blamed water as the cause of deterioration of many beautiful historical masonry buildings. Water causing flooded basements, dismounted bricks, collapsed walls and ceilings, efflorescence, and many other pricey issues to fix. Although water might have seemed to be the cause, it was actually just a symptom of a bigger cause: decline and neglect by the owner. So many cases I have seen where the owner noticed a problem but decided to dismiss it. If this is neglect due to lack of money, knowledge, or simply disregard for the life of the masonry structure; the problem will not fix itself unless something is done. Make it a habit to fix these issues before water becomes your issue. Trust me, once water becomes your problem it WILL cost thousands of dollars to fix! Waterproofing is the best method of extending the life of your masonry structure. Flashing, tuck pointing, water barriers- can all be applied to shed water. Take a look at your structure and see what is missing BEFORE problems occur. If your masonry wall has a few dislodged bricks or crumbling mortar, take care of these issues before water makes its way. Remember, structures that seem to be cover from the rain often are not. Wind driven rains have a tendency to find their way into places where it seems impossible. For older masonry structures that seem too old to fix, tuck pointing is probably your solution. Tuck pointing can make your masonry structure look like new construction. Renovation is also quicker and way cheaper than if you were to replace a masonry structure.
Things to look for when examining your masonry structure:
Missing joints or seams,
Crumbling bricks or mortar,
Dislodged or missing bricks,
Missing or incorrectly installed flashing,
Lifting or missing silicon or caulking,
Improperly installed gutters or downspouts,
Mold and mildew,
Constant wet spots,
Large amounts of efflorescence (white powdery substance on bricks),
High ground level (pulling moisture from soil),
Improper slope,
Damage of any sort to the masonry structure.
If you notice these or any other issues when examining your masonry structure it is best to fix them immediately. If you can not do it on your own, call a masonry specialist for an inspection and estimate. You can visit our website at brickmaster.biz and fill out our free inspection and estimate form and a specialist will contact you promptly to schedule a time to meet. Hope this information was helpful and remember: Water problems are only symptoms to your own neglect. Good luck.
Brickmaster 