Understanding the Causes of Cracked Brick and Block in Buildings
Settlement or foundation movement is one of the most common reasons for cracked bricks and blocks.
A brick building looks beautiful and gives the impression of a sturdy structure. Bricks and blocks are widely used in masonry construction due to their durability. However, these building materials are not free from flaws. Cracks are common in buildings, making them vulnerable to mold, water damage, and other structural issues.
Cracked bricks and blocks in a building require swift remediation. While some cracks are not serious and easy to repair, others can indicate a severe issue, which can demand expensive repairs and compromise the building's safety and integrity if ignored. Homeowners should act quickly and take action to fix them before they create further damage.
Most buildings will encounter cracked bricks and blocks at some point. Understanding the underlying causes can help homeowners take appropriate preventative measures and identify repair solutions to curb potential damage. Here are the common reasons for buildings experiencing brick and block cracks:
Foundation issues
Settlement or foundation movement is one of the most common reasons for cracked bricks and blocks. It occurs when the soil beneath the foundation compresses or moves. Some soils can make the foundation more prone to shifting than others. While minor settling is normal, significant subsidence due to soil getting washed away can lead to structural faults.
Temperature changes
Building materials contract and expand due to extreme temperature changes. Buildings in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations experience freeze and thaw cycles and are more susceptible to cracks.
Natural causes
Earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters can result in brick and block cracks in buildings. These catastrophic events can cause building shifting or movement, causing cracks in various building structural elements.
Water infiltration
A building's masonry can develop cracks when exposed to water constantly due to leaks, rainwater, or blocked gutters. The water can infiltrate and erode the brick and mortar. Changing temperature can cause the trapped moisture to expand and contract, and the freeze cycle can strain the bricks, causing them to crack under pressure. The building owner should first fix the water source before fixing the cracks to prevent severe damage.
Ongoing construction work
Buildings close to a construction site can experience cracks. The regular vibrations from excavation, digging, and use of heavy machinery can result in brick cracks.
Building material deterioration
No building material lasts forever. Poor maintenance, general wear and tear, gravity, and corrosion can take a toll on bricks and blocks over time. Degrading building materials can compromise the structural integrity and result in cracks.
Tree roots
Vegetation near the building can also cause cracks in the building. Trees have invasive roots that can grow under the foundation or in the brick masonry. Trees can also affect the soil's moisture content, contributing to cracks.
Use of inferior materials or poor workmanship
Poor material combinations, use of substandard materials, improper building component installation, and ignorance and negligence during building construction can result in cracked bricks and blocks.
Safeguard the masonry
Repairing brick and block cracks keeps the building in good condition, as the cracks can worsen with time and lead to more significant issues, demanding costly repairs. Contact a local professional contractor to handle cracks as soon as they appear.
Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake provide foundation, basement, and crawlspace installation and repair for the greater Baltimore area homeowners.
