Signs It’s Time For Masonry Repair

If you live in Oklahoma, your house is probably built with brick or stone. These kinds of structures are made to stand the test of time, and there are often clear signs that indicate when your masonry needs attention.

While trying to prevent damage in the first place is ideal, sometimes disrepair starts long before you enter the picture. With a keen eye, you can know exactly what problems to look out for and when to ask for help.

What Is Masonry?

Masonry usually refers to brickwork, but applies to any material held together by mortar, like stone, marble, granite and more. You’ll probably see this kind of craftsmanship throughout many parts of your home, but it’s most commonly used on exterior walls.

Good brickwork can last a lifetime when cared for properly. While bricks or stones are excellent materials for your home due to their strength and longevity, their durability depends on how you or previous owners have cared for them.

What To Look Out For

Whether you’re an owner or a renter, it’s essential to know when and where you’ll need repairs around your home. Here are a few ways to visually tell whether or not your masonry is in good shape.

Cracked Bricks or Stones

Bricks and stones are the primary materials used in masonry. If you have a home with either of these materials, you should be able to notice when there is damage. Common visual indicators include long cracks and excess chipping — even if they start small, these faults can grow over time into more serious issues.

Significant discoloration or staining can also indicate that your masonry isn’t doing well, often pointing to corrosion or other issues. It’s critical to have a professional assess any significant damage to your brick and stone so they can repair or replace them before it’s too late.

Damaged Mortar

While it may seem like bricks are the most critical part of masonry to care for, mortar is the glue that holds it all together. Cracked or crumbling mortar can be a sign of accelerated stress on surrounding bricks or stones. Visible erosion can also point to moisture damage, which can lead to mold, warped floors and other wear on your home.

Indoor Issues

Inspecting your exterior walls will give you a direct sense of the health of your masonry, but there are ways to see evidence of damage from inside your house as well. Cracked plaster, uneven floors and excess moisture buildup may point directly to structural damage. You can pair these observations with the other signs above to confirm the source of the problem.

Masonry Maintenance

To catch any damage to your masonry in its earliest stages, it’s best to do an annual self-inspection of your home. Identifying and repairing small issues regularly can keep larger problems from building up over time.

It’s also recommended that you clean your masonry to remove debris and unclog drainage gaps between bricks (often called weep holes) to prevent moisture from building up.

Schedule a Masonry Repair Evaluation

If you see cracked bricks, crumbling mortar or stains, it might be time for masonry repair. Don’t wait for a professional to take a look. Triton offers free evaluations and lifelong warranties for all of our services.