Masonry Walls

It is not unusual for cracks to appear in a cmu block wall. Often, the cracks are minor and require no specific attention, while others are significant. If left unattended, masonry block wall repair can be quite expensive. In extreme cases, the only available solution is to engage Chandler Block Wall Pros. Workers skilled in masonry construction may demolish the cmu (concrete masonry unit) wall and rebuild it. Causes of cracks are usually movement caused by subsoil settlement. 

Causes of Cracks in Masonry Walls 

Cracks in brick masonry walls are caused by either settlement or subsidence. The cause of settlement is pressure from loading, while subsidence is caused by erosion of the soil under the foundation, which often results in the need for masonry retaining wall repair.  

In many cases, settlement causes small cracks which can be corrected with cosmetic treatment. However, brick fence repair is considerably more complex where the problem has been caused by soil erosion, subsidence, or wall settlement. In the event a drain from the house should fail as a result of soil movement, leakage at the break can, and often does, washes away the surrounding soil which, in turn, causes cracks or the wall may begin to lean. 

Walls invariably settle after they have been built, resulting in the need for concrete masonry repair. Skilled block wall contractors are well aware of this and employ brick wall construction methods that keep movement to an absolute minimum.  

Causes of Damage to Masonry Walls 

Under ideal conditions, a stone masonry wall is not be affected by the environment. However, there is very little that can be done to avoid expansion and contraction of the wall building material. It is often this movement that causes cracks in a masonry wall assembly. 

Even the most stable masonry wall eventually suffers damage. Masonry, whether it is block, brick, or poured, is porous. Without effective block wall waterproofing, which is part of a masonry wall cost per square foot, damage occurs. This damage results in the need for wall repair. 

• Leakage: Leaks are preventable. A skilled masonry contractor can identify a potential problem long before there is extensive damage. 
  
  Water damage is unattractive, and if left unattended, can reach the point where there are serious problems, including having a detrimental impact on the masonry wall fire rating. Water eventually erodes the mortar holding the blocks in position, the result is the destruction of the integrity of the wall. Block wall drainage and brick waterproofing are an important part of the solution. 

 

• Cracking: Cracking, regardless of how good the masonry wall design and reinforcement is, is inevitable. It is common for small cracks to appear as soil settlement takes place. Likewise, masonry can expand and contract, adding to the issue. 
  
  Chandler Block Wall pros know this. They also know the mortar mix must be prepared correctly. The best way to prevent cracking is to employ a qualified masonry contractor who fully understands the Chandler, AZ environment and how to deal with the potential problems before they happen. 

 

• Spalling: When concrete spalls, it often exposes the aggregate, leaving the wall surface rough and patchy. The most common cause of block wall masonry spalling is water. While watering the grass, for example, water tends to penetrate and weaken it. Spalling can also be the result of structural stresses caused by a lack of reinforcement.  
  
  Spalling is not only unattractive, falling masonry can pose a danger to people. 

 

• Staining: Staining is invariably the result of water damage. Brick waterproofing is the solution. Without effective waterproofing, water travels through the masonry and appear as a dark stain on the visible surface. Although stains are more of a cosmetic issue, they may indicate eventual structural problems. 
• Displacement: As the term implies, displacement is when the masonry shifts position. This is often caused by insufficient internal reinforcement or corrosion of the exiting reinforcing bars. 

Tuckpointing and Repointing 

To give the impression of bricks, a popular method employed by masonry professionals is tuckpointing. Tuckpointing is the use of different mortar color to fill brickwork joints. Professional masons use tuckpointing when they wish to achieve the appearance of brick, without overly inflating the masonry wall construction cost. 
​
Repointing is the repair of joints in brickwork that have been damaged or are aged. Mortar joints are of paramount importance to an attractive and strong wall. Over time, it becomes necessary to find professionals who are skilled at mortar repair near me. When old mortar joints crumble, they, as well as cracked brick repair become necessary. 

Unfortunately, not all masonry contractors are good a building or repairing a masonry wall. A cracked, crumbling wall not only looks unattractive, but there can be liability issues as well.  

Chandler Block Wall Pros are experts in masonry wall installation and repair in Chandler, Arizona. The knowledgeable workforce can help prevent damage and repair damage that has already occurred. You are invited to contact the company or provide your details for a free quote for existing masonry wall repair or new construction.