5 Signs You Need The Help Of A Masonry Contractor

If your home in Myrtle Beach has any kind of brick or stone built into its structure, you'll definitely need the expertise of a masonry contractor at some point in time. This is especially true in places where elements such as rain, moist air, and harsh UV rays can damage the materials. Masonry issues aren't uncommon, but depending on the severity of the problem, these issues can lead to things like water infiltration, foundational shifts, and loss of heat, all of which can make your structure an unsafe space to exist in. Knowing when your masonry needs the attention of a professional is key, so Old School Masonry has provided this article to highlight a few of the signs to keep a lookout for.

1.Compacted Bricks

Compacted bricks are easy to spot- they've lost their original shape and can appear bowed and cracked. Compacted bricks present a few issues: first of all, it creates a hole in the wall for water and weather to get through. Second of all, one compacted brick will always lead to another because it doesn't support the bricks around it anymore. One after another, your bricks will become compacted until you've got a big problem on your hands.

2. Bowed/Bulging Brick

Bowed or bulging brick is when the bricks that make up your wall either poke out or cave in around an area on your wall. This is usually caused by moisture making its way behind the bricks, warping the concrete and pushing them out, or softening the plaster or wood behind the brick, caving it in.

3. Mortar Deterioration

This one is pretty self-explanatory- the mortar between your bricks begins to buckle or crumble away. With no buffer between the bricks, they'll begin to loosen and rub together, which can create warping and damage. Loose bricks in your wall can become a safety hazard and threaten those in and around your home.

4. Vertical Corner Cracks

Vertical corner cracks are normal and happen due to natural expansion in your masonry. It becomes a problem when water and moisture from heavy rain can lead to bulging or bowed brick and damage to your inner walls if left unfixed.

5. Efflorescence & Staining

When soluble salts make their way through your bricks or concrete and present as stains, this is called efflorescence. Its causes are naturally occurring almost anywhere: rain, low temperatures, moisture, and condensation.

If you experience any of these signs of masonry damage on or around your Myrtle Beach home, be sure to call Old School Masonry to take care of it. We're the expert team you can rely on for all kinds of repairs and restoration for your masonry so your home can continue to serve you for years to come.