Brick delivers timeless appeal to masonry constructions, making it the most preferred choice among other materials. With intense durability and superior strength, brick is ideal for buildings of all kinds and other masonry structures. But do you know what induces the strength and stability in a brick wall? It is the mortar joints. Bricks are laid using a mixture of sand, cement, and water, called mortar. It acts as a bond, offering structural integrity and solidity.
Nonetheless, the mortar joints are the weakest parts of a brick wall. They are highly susceptible to damage. Considering the erratic climate in the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, and Richmond Hill, mortar joints undergo a lot of stress. Hence, brick pointing Queens are integral to safeguarding structural stability and aesthetics.
At Trice Restoration NYC, we are here to discuss the risks of damaged mortar joints when left untreated. It is an alarming condition that can result in severe consequences.
Causes of Mortar Joint Damage
Before we discuss the risks, let’s understand the leading causes of mortar joint damage:
- Aging- Definitely, constant wear and tear due to aging is one of the primary factors behind deteriorated mortar joints. As brick walls age, mortar joints become weak, and they crumble easily.
- Moisture- Of course, moisture is the principal culprit behind all masonry damage. Excess moisture seeps through pores, cracks, and holes, causing material defilement. Thus, the joints lose strength and stability.
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles- Extreme temperature differences lead to repeated freeze-thaw cycles. When the temperature falls, the moisture in the brick walls expands, while in summer, the moisture evaporates. Hence, continuous freeze-thaw cycles cause cracks in joints, and they crumble. You need a masonry repair contractor to fix it immediately.
- Soil Movement- Ground shifting or settlement is another fundamental cause behind deteriorated mortar joints. It leads to cracks, weakening, and crumbling.
What Happens When You Delay Repairs?
Ignoring or deterring mortar joint repairs poses severe threats like:
- Foundation Damage- Untreated mortar joint damages have severe consequences on the building’s foundation. It affects the structural integrity, and the foundation becomes unstable. As a result, over time, shifting or settling may occur, causing jabbing doors and windows, uneven floors, etc.
- Brick Spalling- Extensive mortar damage allows moisture to seep into the bricks. Molds, mildew, corrosion, and wood rot become prevalent. Eventually, the bricks crack, and they widen when the temperature goes down. It is followed by spalling or flaking of bricks. Only efficient brick pointing contractors Queens can fix it effectively.
- Inadequate Insulation- Needless to say, gaps in the mortar joints allow air to escape. Your interiors become too hot during summer and too cold during winter. The insulation of your building is highly compromised, which naturally stresses the HVAC system. Therefore, soaring energy bills become normal.
- Diminished Aesthetics- Undoubtedly, walls with spalling bricks, cracks, and failing mortar is not an appealing sight. As your property loses aesthetics, its resale value also decreases. It is not good news to anybody willing to rent out or sell the property.
- Safety Hazards- As the mortar joints become weak, bricks become loose. Loose bricks pose severe safety threats as they may fall anytime and cause accidents and injuries. Apart from this, your property may collapse suddenly when the structure fails to bear weight and stress.
Conclusion
Mortar damage has critical consequences when you do not address them timely. As one of the notable brick pointing companies, Trice Restoration NYC specializes in fixing all brick and mortar damages using sophisticated tools and the finest-grade raw materials. We have a licensed and insured team committed to delivering unbeatable results at affordable prices.
