Brick structures can last for decades and are known for their longevity. Many of the oldest building in the country are made from brick, as are many of the chimneys. While brick does last, it often does require repairs and maintenance. It is important to know the common issues that can occur over time with brick structures and catch these issues in the early stages for repair. Here are a few things to look for with brick homes, chimneys and other structures.
Vertical Cracks
The normal fluctuations in weather pattern can cause damage to brick. Expanding and shrinking from moisture changes can cause vertical cracks that need to be superficially repaired.
Brick Deterioration
Both bricks and the mortar can deteriorate and may need surface repairs or replacement as they crumble and crack.
Bulging Bricks
If bricks are beginning to bulge, there is a good chance you have a leak or drainage issue that is causing damage. A gutter may be overflowing water down the side of the building, causing underlying corrosion. You may need a gutter and masonry repair.
Settling or Sinking
When a brick building or chimney begin to settle or sink, it could be the foundation or it could be the bricks. Over time, bricks do compact and will settle under the weight of the structure. However, if it is the foundation, more serious settling could be occurring and damaging the entire structure of the home or chimney. Stair-step cracks are often a sign of foundation issues.
When you notice issues with your brick structure, call a masonry expert for an inspection and repair. If caught early, you can often stop more serious damage and reduce the cost of repairs.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924
When looking at possible new homes, there are many different factors to consider. Size, location, schools, price and possible problems with the home are all on the list of concerns before investing in a new home. While home inspections are used to identify any possible problems in the home, they are only an overview of many different structures and systems in the home. If the home has a fireplace and chimney, a general chimney outside inspection is usually completed, but it may not be enough to find serious problems within the chimney structure.
Benefits of Professional Chimney Inspections
If you are considering buying an older home that has a chimney, it may be worth the investment to have a separate chimney inspection performed by a masonry expert. Chimney structural issues can exist that are not evident and are often missed in standard home inspections. Having a professional chimney inspection before committing to a purchase can benefit the buyer with the following benefits:
Serious structure issues in a chimney can be dangerous and an expensive surprise for new homeowners. It is worth the investment for a professional chimney inspection, especially on homes that have older masonry in place. Choose a masonry expert that perform level one, two and three chimney inspections that are not covered with standard home sale inspections. This can uncover any possible issues or give your potential home a clean bill of chimney health for your peace of mind.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924
The structure supporting the brick or stone around your garage door is called the lintel, a steel frame that can become corroded over the years. This can be a dangerous situation, compromising the structure of the frame that holds your heavy garage door in place. Older garages can be susceptible to lintel damage and may need this structure replaced to prevent collapse.
Signs that your garage door lintel may need replacement can include:
The garage door lintel is usually a steel beam that goes across the top of the door. The most common place for corrosion or weakness is in the middle of the door, where the least amount of support is located. Not only does the beam need replacement, but the bricks or stone and the material between the lintel and exterior surface will need to be redone.
Lintel damage occurs form water and weather deterioration over the years. Rust and corrosion can occur, leaving your garage door susceptible to weakness. At the first signs of any underlying issues, you should call a masonry expert to examine your garage and determine whether a lintel replacement is needed.
Replacing the lintel on your garage door is a complicated process that should be left to the professionals. Your garage door can weigh several hundred pounds and will need removal before the lintel can be accessed and replaced. Once the interior structure is fixed, you will need new brick or stone to frame in your garage, requiring the expertise of an experienced masonry service. Find a local masonry company that offers lintel and masonry work to restore your old garage to last many more decades.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924
Just like any other vehicle, a golf cart needs routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. And just like other vehicles, what kind of cart you have depends…
Metal stairs for apartment complexes come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. And, as with any building that’s accessible by the public, safety is top priority. Apartment complex…
Many people spend more on their smartphones than on computers – a new iPhone can cost several hundred dollars or more. Most wireless carriers and manufacturers offer insurance for a…