Avoiding Masonry Problems With Your Home

Masonry is a common sight in both commercial and residential structures. This can be one of the most durable building materials, but individuals will often fail to appreciate the important types of care that these surfaces will still require.

Keep Deicing Chemicals From Getting On The Masonry

If you live in an area that frequently experiences strong winter weather, it may be necessary for you to use deicing chemicals to keep your driveway and sidewalks safe to use. Unfortunately, it can be possible for some of these chemicals to get on the masonry of your building. This is particularly true when the sidewalk or driveway is adjacent to the structure. Over time, these chemicals can degrade both the brick and the mortar, which can lead to the masonry failing. If you notice that some deicing chemicals have gotten on the masonry, you should have it rinsed as quickly as possible to minimize the damage that it causes. In addition to checking these surfaces after applying the deicing chemicals, you should also check them following storms. This is due to the risk of high winds blowing some of these chemicals onto the masonry.

Patch Chips, Cracks, And Other Weak Points

Your masonry can develop chips, cracks and other issues with it. When this occurs, prompt repairs are needed to prevent the damage from worsening. In particular, you should consider keeping a masonry patch kit available. This will allow you to quickly fill in chips to the mortar and brick before the damage can become severe enough to require professional repairs. Prior to using these kits, the surface being repair needs to be thoroughly cleaned. So that any dirt, dust, or flaking brick and mortar is removed. Otherwise, the patch will not properly bind to the surface.

Have The Brick Surfaces Sealed

Erosion and water damage can be the primary causes of masonry problems. Unfortunately, many building owners will not take any steps to prevent these damages from occurring. Often, this is due to assuming that there is simply not an effective option. Fortunately, there are sealants that can be used to reduce these risks to your masonry. When these sealants are used, a protective barrier will keep water away from the small openings in the brick and mortar. These sealants will need to be applied every couple of years in order to keep the brick and mortar safe from wear, but this can substantially reduce the need for repairs and other types of more expensive or disruptive work. 

For more information, reach out to masonry contractors in your area.