How to Spot Signs of Brick Damage 

People these days are not so familiar with brick structures and they forget the signs that it shows before the damage is so great that it cannot be repaired anymore. Bricks, unlike modern materials like concrete, show more signs of structural damages that can easily be fixed but also require more care than their modern counterparts. All masonry work including rendering is susceptible to the environment, and this article will explain exactly how the brickwork is affected by the environment and what signs are the most common in brick structures that are slowly falling apart. This article will focus on popularly used bricks, and may not include those that are made for specialized industrial usage.

Signs of Brick Damage  structures

Following are some signs that brick structures need professional help.

• Loss of aesthetics

This can include fading or discoloration of the bricks, as well as general wear and tear. While it may not necessarily indicate serious damage, it can detract from the appearance of the structure. This can be a call for professionals if the structure in question needs to be of high aesthetic value. Professionals usually use techniques like acid brick wash and if necessary additional masonry work to restore such aesthetics.

• Cracks on the walls

Over time, the weight of the structure can cause bricks to show cracks from the especially vulnerable segments. This only happens after a long time, and is a serious call for professional restoration work on the brick structure. Usually such restoration involves replacing the entire segment of the structure with new bricks and concrete.

• white powder on bricks

In especially humid climates that also often go through cycles of heat, one can find that bricks are covered with stains that are made of grainy material. This is caused by efflorescence, a phenomenon where water penetrates the bricks and then evaporates leaving behind soluble salts present on bricks on its outer edge. Although not a serious concern, this makes the structure look not so aesthetic and weak over time. Professionals can help fix this issue if called.

• Loose bricks 

Bricks that become loose can compromise the structural integrity of a building, making it unsafe for occupants. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as weathering, corrosion of metal supports, or poor construction practices. Professional restoration work can involve replacing the damaged bricks and reinforcing the structure to prevent further damage.

• Sagging or uneven walls 

Brick walls that are sagging or uneven can indicate a serious structural problem that requires immediate attention. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as inadequate support, shifting of the foundation, or water damage. Professional restoration work can involve shoring up the foundation, rebuilding the wall, or installing reinforcement materials to prevent further damage.

How professionals help

Professionals can help in two ways when you suspect signs of damage to brick structures; no matter if they are old or new or if the problem seems difficult or easy to fix at first glance. First off, they have way more experience in the field and therefore will be able to help you determine which signs in the structure are problematic and which ones can be ignored. Then after doing that they will help you restore walls, chimneys, walkways or industrial installations into the right functioning mechanisms that look good. While smaller signs of damage usually only mean that the structure needs some cleaning, it is not a good idea to DIY your way into restoring brickwork; if you think that’s what the structure is asking for without calling the professionals.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of warning signs before brickwork & masonry becomes untreatable and has to be replaced completely. Professionals can easily do repair work on bricks by using methods like acid cleaning & reworking it to a new design if that happens. However, there are also cases that must be entirely rebuilt, preferably after demolition and this in most cases is not desirable. We at worldwideservices have acquired a reputation in brickwork in general, and help build and restore both residential and commercial structures in a way that is noticeable in the context of both its quality and our speed of work.