Cracked Brick and Foundation Failure
If you have noticed cracks in the brick or stone masonry siding on your home and
it was not recently struck by a runaway automobile, you can be fairly sure that you
have had some foundation movement.
Foundation movement does not always mean that the foundation should immediately be
repaired. It could simply mean that you need improve on your maintenance program. You
do have a maintenance program, don't you? No? Read my article on Foundation Maintenance
Programs.
Getting back to the cracks in your brick. You must understand that bricks are very
brittle and a small amount of movement can cause hairline cracking. It is cracks
become more pronounced that cause the most concern.
Expansion Joints
Depending on the age of your home you may or may not have expansion joints in your brick
siding. These serve the same function as the expansion joints in your sidewalks and
driveway. Anything as brittle as brick needs to have some wiggle room, this helps to
keep hairline cracked from forming
Masonry Contractors
A good masonry contractor can repair the cracks in the brick and match the existing
mortar well enough that unless you know where the repairs are, you cannot find them.
Your masonry contractor can also install expansion joints at strategic locations around
your home. It is usually best to install them on one side of a window. The window can
actually act as part of the expansion joint.
If your movement is minimal this will sometimes solve your problem. Sometimes you will
need to repair the foundation. In all cases you should be diligent about
performing preventive maintenance to keep cracks from reappearing. You may want to read
my article on Preventive Maintenance.
The problem is that it is difficult to know exactly what steps to take. Your brick
contractor wants to sell brick repair and get paid, your foundation contractor
wants you to choose foundation repair. How do you choose what to do? That is the
difficult part.
Taking Your Chances
If you do the brick repair and there is more movement then you will have to pay to
have it repaired again. Most masonry contractors will not provide a warranty against
re-cracking. On the one hand you lose money if you are forced to redo the brick repair
and on the other hand doing foundation repair when your do not need it costs you
money too.
Conclusion
It is sometimes hard to choose the right path, sometimes it helps to bring in a
third party, someone who is an expert in both areas to help you make your decision.
It is unfortunate but you could end up losing money either way you go.
Need Help?
I offer Foundation Consulting Services to Texas homeowners living in
Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Austin and surrounding areas.
I can help you save money and avoid making costly mistakes. My service fee
is reasonable. Your satisfaction is 100% Guaranteed.
If you want to learn more fill out my Contact Form
or call me at
713-826-5035.
