All brickwork degrades over time, and depending on what it’s exposed to, it may also become damaged over time, too. Fortunately, when either of these things happen to brickwork, experienced masonry contractors are available to restore it to its former glory through cleaning, repointing, or rebuilding.
Although damaged and degraded brickwork doesn’t look very nice on a structure, the most significant factor, is that it can have a negative impact on the strength and stability of the building, making brick restoration essential from both an aesthetic, and safety perspective.
But how can you tell if your bricks need to be restored?
Identifying the need for brick restoration
All buildings constructed with bricks will need restoration at some point in the structure’s lifespan, and weathering and insect damage are just two factors that can necessitate this.
If you’re not sure whether your bricks are in need of restoration from an experienced masonry contractor, here are some signs to look for:
- Cracks
Some smaller cracks visible in brick walls don’t need to be repaired, but bigger cracks could be a sign that there are structural issues within the building, and should be looked at by a professional at the earliest.
- Spalling
Typically caused by brickwork becoming moist, spalling can be identified when the bricks start to flake away, and is often caused by gaps or cracks in the mortar joints. In some cases, depending on the climate in the region, spalling may be caused by the cycle of freezing and thawing.
- Efflorescence
If you can see a white, powdery substance on the brickwork’s surface, this is likely something known as efflorescence, which is when water seeps into bricks and dissolves minerals that as the water evaporates, get left behind on the surface.
- Discoloration
Over time, bricks can easily become discolored, and this may be caused by age alone, or by weathering. Professional cleaning from a masonry contractor can help get them back to their original color.
What is involved when bricks are restored?
Whether you want to restore the bricks on a property for aesthetic purposes alone, or whether you need to preserve the building’s structural integrity, brick restoration should only ever be carried out by professionals who are trained and qualified to carry out the work, as it can be complex.
The first step in brick restoration is for a comprehensive assessment of the damage, in which the masonry expert will check the brick type, structure age, and cause of damage. Once they’ve completed their assessment, the process of restoring the bricks can begin.
Usually during restoration work, the bricks will be carefully cleaned, and any damaged ones will be repaired. In some instances, certain sections of the structure may need to be rebuilt using new bricks.
A time consuming process, although brick restoration work can be costly, it’s worth remembering that it’s far less costly than having to undergo structural repairs further down the line, as the damaged bricks cause more and more damage.
So, if your bricks are in need of a bit of professional TLC, reach out to a local masonry contractor and schedule an assessment, during which you’ll find out the extent of work required, and how much it is likely to cost.