What is Masonry Repair?

Masonry repair is the term used to describe fixing cracks and holes in masonry walls, whether made of brick, stone, or stucco. You may even see this term used to refer to the repairs needed on older buildings with crumbling mortar between the bricks. Masonry can be repaired in one of two ways: by filling holes and cracks with new mortar or by removing old damaged material, cleaning the area, and then replacing it with new, stronger mortar.

Some things determine whether you need a masonry repairman or if you can do it yourself:

• If there is an intact brick or stone along at least one edge of the damaged area, your mason should be able-bodied enough to reach up and pull down a few bricks from above (or just push them out from below) so you can fill in the hole. You’ll need a pro if there’s no intact material around the damage.
• If you’re repairing a small hole and your mason has access to all sides of it, he should be able to patch it up for you. He’ll probably have to break out more than one section of the wall for larger holes and put new material in behind them all.

Masonry Repair Materials

The best masonry repair materials will depend on the kind of repairs you need to make. If you’re dealing with a crack in a brick wall, one of the best solutions is the mortar. Mortar is a mix of sand, water, and cement used to fill in cracks between bricks or stones. It’s easy to use, and it can be applied by hand or with a power trowel—just take care not to get it on your skin because it may be difficult to remove.

If you’re dealing with a crumbling structure, you may have to use another type of material entirely. To make repairs like this, you’ll need an injection grout. Injection grouts are used for filling in deep cracks that are too big for mortar—these products can fill gaps up to 10 inches deep. This method has the added benefit of being completely refillable, so if your building continues to crumble over the years, you can use injection grout again and again.Finally, there are times when neither mortar nor injection grout will do the trick. When your building is crumbling beyond repair, and only demolition will do the trick, you might need an anchor bolt kit.

Types of Masonry Repairs

When your masonry is damaged, it can affect curb appeal, water penetration, and even the structural integrity of your home. The best way to prevent long-term damage and costly repairs is to look for signs of damage as soon as they occur.
A variety of issues can lead to masonry repairs:

• Faulty mortar joints: This is by far the most common cause of masonry damage, as a poor installation or repair will have a negative effect on the integrity of the overall structure.
• Cracks in brick and stone: If a structure has been exposed to fluctuating temperatures or moisture levels, cracks may appear over time when the mortar dries out.
• Sagging bricks: Bricks that have been installed with gaps between them can begin to sag if not properly braced and supported.

How Do We Perform Masonry Repairs?

Masonry repairs are often needed when the mortar between the bricks or stones deteriorates. There are several ways to fix this problem, and we’ve outlined them below:

• We can use a grout saw to cut out the loose mortar and replace it with new mortar in the same shape as what was removed. The cut-out area is then filled using a similar shape but a smaller piece of stone or brick. This method is most commonly used for chimneys, fireplaces, and other areas were replacing the entire brick may not be possible.
• We can use a chisel to remove all of the mortar in an area and then add new, fresh mortar. Usually, this is done by drilling small holes into the brick or stone, so we have a place for the new mortar to enter from below. Once the area has been cleaned, we fill it with fresh mortar and level it with a trowel until it’s flush with the surrounding surface of the wall or structure. This method can be used for any repair work where we need to create a flat surface or fill an indentation in masonry that is too large for regular replacement pieces.

For further details on how we perform masonry repairs, call us today!