Cracked bricks can be an indication of serious problems in a wall or a harmless sign of settling. Luckily, cracked bricks can often be repaired to look almost whole. Read on for tips. Listed below are some signs to look for:
Problems caused by foundation settlement
Cracked brick in a home is not just a cosmetic issue. It can be an indication that your foundation isn’t stable. If the cracks are deeper, you may have a foundation problem. Cracks in bricks may be caused by foundation settlement, which is when chunks of the foundation sink into the gaps between bricks. This can occur in a home due to settling or expanding soils.
Cracks can be diagonal and stair-step in appearance. These cracks can widen as the foundation moves. You may also notice a tilting chimney. If you notice cracks in the brick veneer, your foundation is likely shifting. If the foundation is tilting, you may have an underlying problem, which can lead to serious structural damage. While foundation repair is necessary, cracks in the brick veneer can be a sign of a larger problem.
Foundation settlement can affect brick walls and cause structural damage throughout a home. Cracks are especially problematic in weight-bearing areas, like the basement. Even if you can’t see any cracks in your walls, foundation settlement can affect the foundation and the overall structure of your home. Because it affects the value of your home, it’s a good idea to seek immediate foundation repair and restoration. The costs involved in this process are considerable, and you’ll have to remove landscaping and soil around the home.
Repair options
If you’ve noticed cracks in your brickwork, you probably want to know your repair options. Minor brick imperfections may not require repair, but delaying repairs can result in further damage to your home. Broken bricks allow water to penetrate the structure, causing other materials to suffer damage. A professional brick repair company such as Brick Doctor can help you prioritize your repair needs and provide you with a free written estimate of the cost of the work.
A cracked brick may be a sign of a more serious problem in the foundation of your house. It may also be a harmless settling of one brick. Regardless of the cause, however, it can still be repaired to look nearly whole. Here’s how you can get started:
A concrete-based mortar is another option to fix cracked brick. It’s less elastic than epoxy mortar, but offers better strength. First, loose material is removed from the surface of the crack or pit. Once the crack or pit is cleaned, a V-groove is drilled into the wall to fit the mortar into the crack. A vertical iron rod can be placed on the cracked brick to provide support for the patch. When the mortar sets, you can apply a second coat.
Signs to look for
If you notice cracks on the brick of your home, it’s a sign that your foundation is under stress. This is usually caused by lateral pressure, which is caused by pressure that is exerted outside of the property. In Denver, the most common causes of lateral pressure are heavy rainfall and flooding, as well as extreme soil saturation. These factors exert hydrostatic pressure on a home, which causes cracks to appear in the walls.
There are other signs of foundation problems that you should look for if you notice cracks in your brickwork. First, you should check for cracks in the stair-step pattern on the exterior wall of your home. These are signs of foundation problems that require professional intervention. In the stair-step pattern, the crack will run horizontally. Often, if a brickwork crack extends across the mortar joint, it’s a sign that your home’s foundation has settled.
Another sign that cracks are present in your brickwork is the presence of bowing walls. Bowing walls can be a sign of other problems in a home, but the most common cause of cracked brickwork is bowing walls. Cracks will be localized on the walls affected by the damage or may extend to other areas of the home. If you notice cracked brickwork in one part of your home, you should seek professional help as soon as possible. Otherwise, the damage could lead to secondary and tertiary problems.