What are the most common signs that I need brick repair?

Some of the most common signs that brickwork needs repair include cracked bricks, cracked or deteriorated mortar joints, loose bricks, gaps between the brick veneer and surrounding materials, separation around windows and doors, stair-step cracks, damaged brick arches, leaning masonry, and sections where the brick appears to be shifting or pulling away. You may also notice missing mortar, water stains, efflorescence, or areas where previous repairs have started deteriorating. These conditions should be evaluated because what appears to be a small crack on the surface can sometimes be associated with movement, moisture intrusion, deterioration, or other conditions affecting the masonry. Repairing damaged areas early can help prevent water from continuing to enter through open cracks and joints and can reduce the possibility of additional masonry deterioration.

What causes cracks in brick walls?

Brick walls can crack for many different reasons. Common causes include foundation movement, settlement, expansion and contraction, moisture exposure, deterioration of mortar joints, inadequate support, impact damage, and normal aging of the masonry. The location and pattern of the crack can provide useful information about what may be happening. For example, stair-step cracks commonly travel through mortar joints, while other cracks may travel directly through bricks or develop around windows, doors, garages, arches, and other openings. A masonry repair can restore the damaged brick and mortar, but it is important to understand that masonry repair does not correct an underlying foundation or structural movement problem. If movement continues after the masonry is repaired, cracking may eventually return.

Can cracked bricks be repaired, or do they need to be replaced?

The appropriate repair depends on the condition of the brick. When a brick is significantly fractured, deteriorated, loose, or damaged, replacement is generally the preferred method. The damaged brick is carefully removed while attempting to avoid unnecessary damage to the surrounding masonry. A replacement brick with a similar size, color, and texture is then installed using mortar selected to closely match the existing mortar. Because existing bricks have been exposed to sunlight, rain, dirt, and weather for many years, an exact color match cannot always be guaranteed. We make every reasonable effort to select a replacement that blends with the existing masonry as closely as possible.

Will the new bricks match my existing bricks?

We make every reasonable effort to locate replacement bricks that are similar in size, color, texture, and overall appearance to the existing masonry. However, an exact match cannot always be guaranteed. Brick manufacturers discontinue products, change manufacturing processes, and produce natural variations between production batches. Existing bricks also change appearance after years of exposure to sunlight, moisture, dirt, and weather. For these reasons, replacement bricks may be very similar without being identical. When brick selection is required, the available replacement material can be reviewed before installation.

Will the new mortar match the existing mortar?

The new mortar will be custom mixed to closely match the existing mortar color whenever possible. However, new and existing mortar should not be expected to look exactly the same immediately after the repair. Existing mortar has aged and weathered over many years, while newly installed mortar contains moisture and has not yet fully cured. The color and appearance of the repaired areas generally become more natural as the new mortar cures and is exposed to normal weather conditions. Dirt, mold, previous cleaning, moisture, sunlight, and the age of the existing mortar can also affect how closely the repaired areas appear to match.

How do you repair cracked or deteriorated mortar joints?

For typical mortar joint repairs, the damaged mortar is ground approximately 1/2 inch deep. Dust, loose material, and debris are thoroughly removed from the joint before the repair material is installed. A bonding liquid is applied to help create a strong bond, and new mortar is custom mixed to closely match the existing mortar color. The mortar is then installed and properly finished to match the existing joint profile as closely as reasonably possible. After the repair is completed, the surrounding masonry is cleaned as necessary to remove excess mortar and mortar stains. Proper preparation is especially important. Simply covering an existing cracked mortar joint with a thin layer of new mortar does not provide the same repair as properly removing the damaged material and preparing the joint before installing new mortar.

Why is repairing cracked mortar important?

Mortar joints are an important part of a masonry wall. When mortar cracks, separates, or deteriorates, openings can allow additional water to penetrate the masonry. Masonry materials are naturally porous, but larger cracks and deteriorated joints can increase the amount of moisture entering the wall. Repeated moisture exposure can contribute to staining, deterioration, mold or mildew conditions, and damage to surrounding materials. Water entering through cracks can also reach metal components located behind some masonry veneer walls, including wall ties. Continued exposure to moisture may contribute to corrosion and weakening of these components over time. Repairing damaged mortar joints helps close visible openings and maintain the condition of the masonry.

Can you repair stair-step cracks in brick walls?

Yes. Stair-step cracks commonly follow the mortar joints between bricks and can often be repaired by removing the damaged mortar and repointing the affected joints. If bricks within the cracked area are also fractured, those bricks may need to be removed and replaced. However, stair-step cracks can sometimes be associated with foundation settlement or movement in the structure. Masonry repair restores the visible damaged area but does not stop an underlying structure from continuing to move. If significant or continuing movement is suspected, the underlying condition should be evaluated separately before or in conjunction with the masonry repair.

Can brick repair stop water from entering my house?

Repairing cracks, deteriorated mortar joints, damaged bricks, and other visible openings can help reduce water penetration through damaged masonry. However, masonry walls are part of a larger exterior wall system, and water can enter from multiple locations. Potential sources can include damaged sealant around windows and doors, flashing problems, roof or chimney conditions, missing or obstructed drainage provisions, and other building-envelope components. For this reason, brick repair should not automatically be considered a complete waterproofing solution. The source of water intrusion should be identified so the appropriate components can be repaired.

What is brick veneer, and can it be repaired?

Brick veneer is an exterior masonry system commonly used on residential properties. Although it looks like a solid brick wall from the exterior, the brick typically functions as an exterior veneer with a cavity or drainage space between the masonry and the structure behind it. Brick veneer can develop cracked mortar joints, fractured bricks, loose areas, separation, damaged flashing, or other deterioration. Depending on the condition, repairs can include replacing damaged bricks, repointing mortar joints, rebuilding localized sections, repairing masonry around openings, and addressing other visible masonry damage.

Can you repair a brick wall that is separating from the house?

Separation or movement in a brick veneer wall should be evaluated before determining the appropriate repair. Small localized areas may require masonry repair, while significant movement, bulging, leaning, or separation may indicate a more complicated condition involving the masonry support system or other parts of the structure. The correct repair depends on what caused the movement and the condition of the wall. Simply filling a large separation with mortar or sealant may hide the opening without addressing the reason the masonry moved.

Can you repair brick arches above windows, doors, and garages?

Yes. Brick arches can develop cracks, separation, loose bricks, deteriorated mortar joints, or sagging over time. Minor damage may be repaired by replacing individual bricks or repairing mortar joints. More extensive deterioration or movement may require removing and rebuilding part or all of the affected arch. The existing condition and support beneath the masonry must be considered before deciding on the appropriate repair method. When rebuilding is necessary, the goal is to restore the arch while maintaining the original brick pattern and appearance as closely as reasonably possible.

Do you repair brick columns?

Yes. Brick columns can be repaired when they have cracked bricks, deteriorated mortar joints, localized damage, or other masonry deterioration. The repair method depends on the severity of the damage. Individual bricks and mortar joints may be repaired when the damage is localized. If a substantial portion of the column has shifted, separated, or deteriorated, partial or complete rebuilding may be necessary. Each column should be evaluated individually to determine whether repairing or rebuilding the damaged section provides the more appropriate solution.

Do you repair brick mailboxes?

Yes. Brick mailboxes can be repaired after vehicle impacts, settlement, weather deterioration, cracked mortar joints, damaged bricks, or damage to the mailbox insert. Depending on the extent of the damage, we may repair a localized section, replace individual bricks, repair mortar joints, replace the mailbox insert, or rebuild the masonry mailbox. If the existing brick is no longer available, similar replacement bricks can be selected. Because the original masonry has aged and weathered, replacement materials may not be identical to the existing brick.

Do you repair brick chimneys?

Yes. Brick chimneys commonly develop cracked bricks, deteriorated mortar joints, damaged areas below the chimney cap, and other deterioration because they are continuously exposed to weather. Depending on the condition, chimney masonry repairs can include replacing damaged bricks, repointing mortar joints, rebuilding localized sections, and repairing masonry around the upper portion of the chimney. Chimney problems can also involve caps, crowns, flashing, roofing, or other components. The visible masonry should be evaluated along with surrounding conditions when water intrusion is present.

How long does brick repair take?

The amount of time required depends on the size, location, accessibility, and complexity of the repair. Smaller brick or mortar repairs may be completed relatively quickly, while projects involving large walls, arches, columns, chimneys, retaining walls, or extensive brick replacement can require considerably more time. Weather conditions can also affect masonry work because mortar and other materials need appropriate conditions for installation and curing. After evaluating the project, we can provide a better understanding of the expected scope and approximate time required for the repair.

How much does brick repair cost in Dallas, TX?

The cost of brick repair varies significantly depending on the type and extent of damage, accessibility, number of damaged areas, materials required, brick availability, height of the work, and repair method. For example, repairing several mortar cracks is very different from rebuilding a damaged brick arch, column, chimney, or large section of wall. Because masonry damage varies from property to property, an evaluation of the affected areas provides a more accurate way to determine the scope of work and price.

Is brick repair permanent?

Brick and mortar repairs are intended to restore damaged masonry and help maintain the wall in good condition, but no masonry repair can guarantee that future cracking will never occur. Masonry is affected by weather, moisture, temperature changes, aging, and movement in the structure. Repairs to cracks caused by foundation movement or continued structural movement may crack again if the underlying movement continues. For this reason, mortar and brick repairs should be considered part of the ongoing maintenance of an exterior masonry structure.

When should I schedule brick repair?

It is generally better to address damaged brickwork when cracks, loose bricks, deteriorated mortar, separation, or other visible problems are first noticed rather than waiting for the damage to become more extensive. Open cracks and deteriorated mortar joints can allow additional moisture into the masonry, and loose or fractured materials can continue deteriorating over time. If you notice damage to your brick wall, chimney, arch, column, mailbox, retaining wall, or other masonry structure, having the area evaluated can help determine the appropriate repair before the condition becomes more extensive.

Need Brick Repair in Dallas, TX?

If you have cracked bricks, deteriorated mortar joints, damaged brick veneer, loose masonry, or another brick problem, ANEM Masonry & Stucco provides professional brick repair services throughout Dallas and the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Request an estimate to have the damaged masonry evaluated and receive a recommended scope of work for your property.