When you see cracked brick on your home, don’t panic – it’s an aesthetic problem that can be fixed. Cracks can be caused by two main factors – soil and hot weather. Soil expands and contracts with weather conditions, but when it’s too wet, it can shift and become unstable. When this happens, your home can sink, putting more pressure on the structure itself. Fortunately, there are some ways to fix cracked brick without spending too much money.
Horizontal cracks are caused by soil pushing in on the foundation
Brick cracks are a warning sign that your foundation is at risk of failing. Cracks running down the length of a brick wall indicate soil pressure is pushing in on the foundation. Cracks in a brick wall can also occur on the top of the foundation and may indicate the sinking of your building. Fortunately, cracks in brick are not common. However, if you notice them, you should consult a professional to fix the problem.
The most common problem with a brick foundation is cracks in the mortar that holds the bricks together. Broken mortar can lead to serious foundation problems. Horizontal cracks are the most common and significant, indicating movement in the foundation and erosion of materials. If you notice cracks running the length of interior foundation walls, you may need foundation pier installation. Fortunately, there are several ways to repair cracks in brick.
Vertical cracks in the mortar joints are caused by hot weather
Thermal expansion can cause vertical cracks in brick walls. These cracks are usually found at short setbacks and offsets where the masonry is not bonded well. In addition, thermal movement can cause cracks to form near the top of the wall and at the ends. Those cracks may indicate that the masonry is not properly bonded. In addition, vertical cracks usually follow the line of openings.
If you discover that your bricks are cracked, you may want to consider fixing the problem. Brick repair is often a cosmetic method. The first step is to determine the underlying cause. Next, cut a slot into the mortar bed at the appropriate depth. The slot should be about 500mm either side of the vertical crack, depending on the thickness of the wall. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use a level.
They are an aesthetic problem
Although cracked bricks are a problem for the aesthetics of the building, you may not be aware of their potential structural problems. Cracks in foundation bricks can occur as a result of soil movement, hydrostatic pressure, or an inadequate bearing soil. In addition to being an aesthetic problem, cracked bricks can weaken the structure of the foundation and cause basement water issues. Therefore, if you suspect that you have a crack in the foundation, it is best to hire a professional.
The first step in fixing cracked bricks is to determine whether they are due to external or internal pressure. While external pressures can cause cracks, internal pressure is the most likely cause. If the cracks are on the exterior, they may be a sign of a more extensive structural problem. Regardless of the cause, cracks are an aesthetic problem that needs to be addressed immediately. The sooner you address these issues, the better off your property will look.
They can be repaired
In many cases, cracked bricks can be repaired. You can use clear silicone sealant to fill in cracks. Smaller cracks can be filled in little by little, but extra-large ones require professional repair. Moreover, hiring an expert to do this work will save you time. In addition, experts can perform the job much faster than novices. Cracked bricks can cost thousands of dollars to fix, but there are ways to reduce the cost.
First, you should understand how brick cracks are formed. Sometimes they can be small and harmless, but if you ignore them, they can lead to major damage. Small cracks can be fixed by painting over them, but bigger cracks may indicate a foundation problem. In such a case, you should contact a professional for a free inspection and a recommended solution. After removing the old mortar, you must wash the cracked bricks thoroughly.