The average life span of brick masonry can reach up to 100 years. However, the mortar joints are usually the first to give signs of wear and tear, lasting only half of the brick’s life expectancy. In most cases, brick maintenance and repair involves a process called re-pointing which is the removal and replacement of damaged mortar joints.
Loose, cracked, split, or crumbled mortar joints are caused by the brick’s exposure to natural elements such as sunlight, rain, and wind. The settling in the structure’s foundation can also cause the problem. All this indicates a deteriorating brick surface that is susceptible to water penetration.
In case whole bricks become loose or damaged, find pieces that exactly match the size and color of the existing ones to make brick maintenance and repair work unnoticeable.
Spalling refers to the condition when bricks become too soft and susceptible to water or moisture absorption. This condition is one of the primary causes of brick deterioration that usually affects small portions of a brick surface, requiring the replacement of the damaged bricks.
Brick maintenance and repair may be costly if the job is contracted out. While it can be a complicated task requiring careful research, all it takes is a little knowledge of these basic steps to make the bricks look good and lasting.
Loose, cracked, split, or crumbled mortar joints are caused by the brick’s exposure to natural elements such as sunlight, rain, and wind.