Cracked bricks and concrete blocks might not seem to be a threat to a house, but homeowners must address them. Otherwise, the structural integrity of the parts they hold together can deteriorate beyond repair. For this reason, homeowners should leave the repairs to a seasoned Baltimore provider—Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake. After inspection, we determine which repair method to apply for the best results.
In general, two options are available. We can repair a minor crack resulting from a slight soil shift by removing and replacing the old mortar. More severe cracks require a more heavy-duty approach involving steel rods. We utilize steel rods to connect multiple cracked bricks or blocks.
Our technicians may also utilize bonding solutions to keep the rods in place. Not only does this repair cracked walls, but it also makes the area more resilient to movement and future issues.
Stair step cracks feature a unique staircase pattern that extends from one brick or block to the next. There can be several causes of this problem, but the most common culprit is the foundation settling because of soil shifts. More specifically, the land surrounding the foundation may have dropped due to a lack of moisture, dragging the foundation with it.
Vertical corners might be less severe than stair-step cracks, but this doesn’t mean they’re harmless. On the contrary, they enable moisture to further damage the walls and spread to the rest of the house. Critters may also take cracks as an invitation to move in. Vertical corner cracks are usually caused by shrinking concrete, lack of drywall taping, or a bad concrete mix.
Bricks and blocks are designed to bear a specific weight, commonly called compressive strength. If, for whatever reason, they can no longer endure the weight from the surrounding soil or structures they support, bricks and blocks develop compaction cracks. Often, fixing them requires Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake to reinforce their construction with steel rods.
Bulging bricks and masonry walls are common in Glen Burnie and nearby areas. The region experiences regular heavy snowfall each winter, and walls collect a ton of moisture. The more water that pools in bricks and blocks, the more likely they are to bulge. Unresolved, excessive moisture can cause entire walls to collapse.
Most walls and other masonry elements depend on bricks. If they’re in good shape, they keep the house in excellent condition by preventing shifts. But bricks with cracks won’t protect the structure from the elements.
Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake can save the day. Here’s what makes our brick crack repairs services beneficial:
Pre-empting structural damage: Some brick cracks require minor patching-up and are less severe than so-called structural cracks. However, the longer a homeowner waits to address the concern, the sooner they become a large-scale problem. Baltimore residents should contact our professionals when they notice these hairline cracks. We can seal them with specialized materials to help the family avoid a disaster.
Preventing shifts: Bricks are meant to hold firm when the soil shifts. However, damaged bricks can’t perform as intended. Cracked ones are weak and more likely to move as the ground moves, so homeowners should have a professional address the matter.
Eliminating moisture issues: A brick crack is just like any other gap. It allows moisture to enter the house from the surrounding land or melting snow. Once it enters the house, water can affect the property’s walls, support beams, ceilings, and other parts. The only way to remove the moisture is to address the source by repairing the crack.
No bug infestation: Water isn’t the only hazard that can enter a house through brick cracks. Bugs can also use them as a gateway, especially during winter when they seek a warm shelter. Insects can later gnaw on different parts of the property, such as furniture. Bug sprays are only temporary, so don’t take a gamble—contact Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake for a thorough crack repair.
Concrete blocks are capable of withstanding intense pressure. They’re much more durable than bricks due to their superior water resistance and ability to endure more intense ground shifts. Still, that’s not to say they’re invulnerable. Extreme soil movement and saturation can prove too much, even for the sturdiest blocks. Damage caused by these factors manifests in several ways, but cracks are the most common form.
Fortunately, a wide range of concrete block repair services are available. For example, Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake can use epoxy solutions to seal concrete cracks. We inject these high-quality substances directly into the gap. From there, the epoxy expands, sealing the hole and returning the block to its near-original condition. More importantly, it prevents moisture and other threats from causing further damage.
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Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake provide foundation, basement, and crawlspace installation and repair for the greater Baltimore area homeowners.
