Common Masonry Issues

A masonry unit can be a brick, stone, concrete block, etc. The idea of masonry is two-part, structure and support, or brick and mortar. Unsurprisingly, the use of brick and mortar is very strong. As a kid, I was throwing my fastballs, shooting hockey pucks, and beaming soccer balls at my parent’s brick wall on the side of the house. Even with this constant abuse, the wall held strong. So then, what does it take to witness some common masonry issues? Chances are it is rarely the mortar or brick themselves.

Common Masonry Issues

Failing Mortar

Part one of the common masonry issues is failing mortar. Two types of failing mortar you may witness include cracking and weakening. When do we see cracking of mortar? We see cracking of mortar often tied to settling houses. Movements in the foundation shift your house, including the brick and mortar. When do we see the weakening of mortar? Weakened mortar can be witnessed with the brush of a finger. If upon this action the mortar is sandy and is easily swiped away, you know your mortar is weakened. What causes weakened mortar. Often times near exhaust points of a building (chimneys or other utility points), the constant gases/chemicals eat away at the mortar.

Failing Masonry

With common masonry issues we talked about failing mortar, but what can cause a failing brick? First off, the exact same things that can cause failing mortar, can cause bricks to fail – that being a house settling or gases and chemicals. Additionally, in the Chicagoland area we witness other types of brick and mortar attacks. 6” of snow and icy roads are no fun, so the typical homeowner will salt their driveways.  This salt will eat away at your brick and mortar! Finally, speaking of the cold in the winter months constant freeze and thaw of ice to water to ice inside the brick and mortar can cause failing masonry and failing mortar.

Local Chicago Masonry Experts

At CTC, we repair, restore, protect, and preserve masonry including brick, stone, or even a chimney crown. Whether it is failing mortar, masonry issues, or a stainless steel chimney liner installation our expert masons are here to help. We use the latest masonry technology techniques to restore brick and protect your home.

We at CTC Masonry are the complete solution to your masonry needs and making your chimney last longer. We highly value our clients and seek to gain their confidence by offering the highest level of customized chimney tuckpointing services and masonry products at a competitive price.

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