Spalling Brick 101

Spalling brick due to weather is inevitable after years of being exposed to the elements. Considering the weather patterns in Virginia– freeze and thaw cycles, along with extreme heat during the summer months- these elements can cause several issues with the brick on the exterior of your home or business. Extreme heat can cause bricks to crumble and crack which can potentially lead to an undesirable situation. However, deterioration due to freezing conditions seems to be the biggest culprit. This liquid water at or near the wall surface will not evaporate but it will freeze. Consequently, freezing water will damage the brick since water expands during the freezing process.

Since spalling brick due to weather is very common, it is important to have it inspected by an expert in brick and masonry. At Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry, we have over 30 years of experience in brick and masonry. In fact, we began the business to deliver Virginians with a full range of services that range from re-pointing and chimney repair to paving and foundation repair. Our objective is to get your home back to safety and provide the aesthetic exterior appeal you prefer. Our professional team produces quality workmanship for all brick and masonry issues.

Prevention of Spalling Brick Due to Weather

Firstly, it is important to prevent spalling brick due to weather if possible. Luckily, there are some steps that can help deter and possibly remove its effects. For example, finding the source of moisture is essential. If the moisture problem is not solved then fixing spalling bricks is only a temporary fix. For instance, if a window or chimney is leaking water directly onto a brick, call a professional to stop the leak before it permeates the area indefinitely. Ultimately, protecting the area of brick from too much moisture is necessary to avoid crumbling brick.

Finally, after the moisture issue is resolved, it is necessary to capture every specific area of brickwork that was affected. Leaving behind any spalling bricks means there is potential for areas to get saturated with moisture once again. Unfortunately, this could lead to ongoing crumbling and cracking even after repairs occurred.

Repair

Once the brick is permanently damaged, it will require a masonry and bricklaying expert to replace these damages. After these dismantled bricks are taken out, the area must be thoroughly cleaned of any remaining moisture, dust, or dirt. New mortar is then placed around the hole and replacement bricks can be inserted. This is a tricky process and takes a particular level of skill to master correctly. To mirror existing mortar seams with a similar look and finish is more difficult than it may appear. In addition, more significant repairs are required when spalling is extensive. For instance, sometimes entire walls and chimneys need to be completely rebuilt to eradicate spalling.

Call Your Trusted Masonry Team

Only skilled masons should attempt to repair widespread late-stage spalling. We are a name you can trust in the area and we provide friendly, reliable, and timely service. Give us a call at 804-674-0273 for a free estimate!