Signs You Might Need Masonry Repair Photo by: pixabay.com Stone and brick wall construction is a great addition to any home in Winder, GA. That’s especially if you’re planning to build a home with a more sophisticated or elegant design. And while both may last for a long time without any issues, there may come a time when the eventual need for repair arises. When that time comes, you can rest assured that there are experts who can handle this type of specialized repair. At Herrera Brothers Masonry, we are more than equipped to handle your needs for masonry repair. But how exactly do you figure out whether your masonry needs repair or not? Read on and find out SIGNS THAT YOUR MASONRY WALL NEEDS REPAIR Missing or Damaged Mortar If you have missing or damaged mortars, bricks or stones will start to rub against each other and your wall will warp. This isn’t something you should be worried about right off the bat, but if your masonry walls are getting close to 15 years, then it’s time to have them repointed. Some brick or stone walls may also need repair much earlier depending on where you are and the daily conditions your walls are exposed to. Since this is a delicate procedure, only trust professionals for stone or brick wall construction in Winder, GA because they know what works and what doesn’t. Bulging/Bowed Brick Bulging brick happens when bricks start sticking out on certain parts of the wall, creating weird lumps that weren’t there before. Your walls could also start caving in some areas. These are caused by moisture that has accumulated behind the bricks, destroying any plaster or wood behind the wall. This could be the prelude to some serious damage to your walls, so make sure to contact a professional for repairs. Cracked Bricks Cracks may occur over time due to a number of reasons. However, if the cracks happen at an angle greater than 30 degrees, it may threaten to collapse your masonry structure and that is something no one wants. This is why you should check for cracks from time to time and have them repaired before they get worse or cause more cracks to the adjacent materials. Prompt action when it comes to masonry repair can make all the difference. But it isn’t just important to know how to spot masonry damage, you should also be aware of what causes the damage so you can prevent some of them. By knowing what to look out for and performing preemptive maintenance, you can further extend the lifespan of your masonry walls and prevent untimely damage. For instance, vegetation growth on masonry walls is one of the leading causes of damage and you can prevent that by making sure to remove them early on. Poorly executed repairs can also lead to more damage, so it’s important to hire masonry professionals. As one of the leading companies for stone and brick wall construction in Winder, GA, Herrera Brothers Masonry is here to provide specialized masonry services in the area. So if you need repairs or any other masonry-related services, call us at 404-867-1224.
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Tuckpointing – All You Need to Know about It and More
Tuckpointing – All You Need to Know about It and More Photo by: pexels.com Bricks or stones provide great cladding for masonry structures. And that’s why stone or brick wall construction is often common in places like Winder, GA or anywhere else. But no matter how durable, the mortar joints are bound to deteriorate over time. That happens even if the bricks or stones themselves are still in good shape. Thankfully, that’s where tuckpointing comes in to save the day. What is Tuckpointing? Masonry structures like chimneys and fireplaces are often built to increase the value of a home. Apart from being durable home features, they also ooze a sophisticated appeal and feature elegantly beautiful designs. But like all things, the mortar joints can suffer damage over time, and “tuckpointing” is the repair process used to stop further destruction. It is also called repointing or brick pointing and while its main purpose is to repair, it can also offer other benefits. How is It Done? Tuckpointing is done by removing the damaged mortar and replacing it with a fresh one. While it provides a facelift to the masonry structure, it also helps to maintain the integrity of the structure by keeping moisture out. As this involves complicated procedures to preserve existing structures, it is imperative to only call professionals who are also well-versed with stone or brick wall construction in Winder, GA. And when it comes to this, we at Herrera Brothers Masonry can provide this type of specialized service. When is It Necessary? Bricks and stones may very well last for about a century or more, but mortar has a much shorter lifespan of roughly 20-30 years. This depends on how exposed the masonry is to the elements. You can also hire a trained mason to inspect your masonry structure from time to time to determine when it may be necessary. Whatever the case, it’s always better to proactively plan and budget for this possibility down the road. Signs of Mortar Damage Some obvious signs to look out for are cracked, partially missing, or broken mortar joints. The mortar may also start protruding from the surface. In some serious cases, the bricks or stone may even start cracking, crumbling, or breaking away from the building. Benefits of Tuckpointing One of the main benefits is that it preserves the life of your masonry structure. But it can also prevent water from entering your brick walls, stop corrosion of mortar joints, and improve the value of your home. It is also a cheaper and far more cost-effective option than tear-down and rebuilds. Tuckpointing is a crucial and inevitable part of owning masonry structures. The good news is that it doesn’t have to cost too much as long as you spot the signs early enough and it doesn’t need to be done too often. It’s a preemptive measure that ensures your brick or stone walls, chimneys, and fireplaces remain standing strong for a long time. And if you need help with that, we at Herrera Brothers Masonry are full-service contractors specializing in brick, block, and stone masonry with decades of experience in the industry. So whether you are planning some stone or brick wall construction in Winder, GA or you want to have yours repaired, call us today.
