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Top 7 Common Brick Restoration Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- John
- 52 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Bricks are one of those materials which can provide never-ending charm. Apart from being durable and attractive, they are designed to last for a very long time, possibly even for generations. However, any brickwork, no matter how strong it is, can become less effective due to its exposure to weather, moisture, or lack of good maintenance over time. Therefore, if you need to restore an old wall or building, ensure that your work is done properly. Tiny errors in the process of restoration can result in big problems, both in the appearance and in the structure, at a later time.
In case you are thinking of fixing a brick wall by yourself, then it is important to know the mistakes you shouldn't make. Here is the list of the seven most frequent errors in brick masonry repair that you should avoid.
1. Ignoring the Root Cause of Damage
The most common error made in the brick masonry repair is the repair of only those parts that are visible. It happens that a person concentrates on the change of a broken brick or the mending of a crack, not knowing the cause of the damage. It could be a leak of water, bad drainage, or the settling of a structure.
It is always recommended that you first inspect the area thoroughly before you carry out any brick masonry repairs. Check for leaking gutters, blocked downspouts, or any issues with the foundation. By repairing the source of the problem first, you not only avoid additional damage but also extend the life of your restoration.
2. Using the Wrong Mortar
Different types of mortar do not have the same quality. A lot of people choose to use a modern cement-based mortar just because it looks like it is very strong. But the truth is that old bricks were made in such a way that they had to be used with a softer lime-based mortar. The reason why the combination of old bricks with a hard cement mortar results in cracks and spalling is that the cement mortar doesn’t allow the bricks to expand.
For brick masonry repair, it is necessary to select the best mortar for brick repair which should be compatible with the type of your brickwork. In the case of an old house, a lime-based mortar would most likely be the best solution as it gives more flexibility.
3. Poor Cleaning Techniques
Refurbishing an old brick may look very simple, however, if you don't do it the right way, it can result in serious damage that cannot be fixed. Putting too much pressure while washing or using abrasive chemical cleaners can wear down the brick surfaces and remove the parts that act as protection.
Put the water to work at a low pressure in loosening the dirt together with a mild cleaning solution that is safe for the brick. Do not use wire brushes or abrasive pads, as they may damage your surface with scratches. A gentle cleaning method will extend its life.
4. Replacing Bricks with Mismatched Materials
There are instances where people replace the broken parts of a wall with bricks that differ in color, size, or texture from the old ones without considering the consequent effect on the wall. Their repair becomes visible, and the smooth look of the architectural design gets spoiled. What is even worse is that the new ones may be less dense and less durable than the old ones. In order to prevent such an error, make sure that you are always getting replacement bricks that look similar to your bricks.
5. Failing to Remove Damaged Mortar Properly
While doing brick masonry repair, the process of taking out old, disintegrating mortar is most essential. Nevertheless, the situation of removing too much or too little can result in a weakened wall. Unmindful use of power tools can cause the bricks cracked.
It is better to do it with hand tools or a small grinder and be careful so as not to break the edges of the bricks. After the joints have been cleaned, put new mortar similar in composition and color to the original one.
6. Skipping Regular Maintenance After Restoration
Brickwork always requires regular care even after a successful repair. There are some people who think that after the restoration, their walls will be flawless for the next 50 years. Nevertheless, the bricks are still at risk of being damaged by the elements such as water, cold, and dirt.
It is necessary to thoroughly examine your brick walls once a year in order to find and identify any cracks that may be present. You can also protect your bricks from water damage by cleaning the gutters, checking your metal flashings, and making sure that the water is being directed away from your foundation. A preventive plan is capable of both giving a longer lifespan to your brickwork and also keeping you out of a big repair later.
7. Attempting DIY Repairs Without Experience
On the one hand, brick restoration seems to be a straightforward task, but on the other hand, it requires a certain level of skill and experience. If the mortar is applied wrongly, the joints are uneven, or the gaps are overfilled, the structure will be weakened. The majority of DIY projects is definitely more expensive in the long run. Repairing a brick wall with the help of skilled workers will make the job safe.
Final Thoughts
Brick restoration is a project which not only adds to the value of your property but also keeps the charm of your property intact. If you steer clear of these typical mistakes, then it will be a great money, time, and energy saver for you. A brick wall that has been restored properly, will not only have a nice visual appeal but will also be able to stay viable for a long time. With a good brick masonry repair, you can literally breathe new life into your property and keep its classic charm intact for a long time.
If your goal is to improve the masonry of your brick, McLellan Contracting should be your first choice. If it is a limited area or a large-scale project, McLellan Contracting is ready to offer you the quality of work and the precise detail that will ensure the good condition of your brick will be preserved for a long time.
Restore your brickwork the right way-avoid costly mistakes with expert help.
Contact our professional masonry team today for reliable, long-lasting results.
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