What to Look For

Inspecting Your Building

blueprint with inspection notes

Deteriorated Brick or Block

Look primarily for damage caused from cycles of freezing/thawing, which is called spalling (the deterioration of masonry surfaces) and found in older structures, parapets, freestanding and retaining walls. Isolated spalling at lintels or shelf angles is extremely important to inspect since it may indicate a more serious problem.

cracked brick masonry near a window

Cracked Masonry

One of the principal causes of cracking in masonry walls is “differential movement”. This is the failure of a wall to accommodate this movement over large areas of brick or block, which can cause vertical cracks.

brick wall with deteriorated mortar

Deteriorated Mortar

Slight surface scaling of old mortar is not uncommon and not objectionable, provided it does not occur too deeply. Check the mortar for cracks, crumbling, erosion more than 1/4" back from the original depth, or missing portions.

brick house with a loss of bonding

Extensive Loss of Bond Between Brick and Mortar

Normally recognized by a slight opening similar to a crack, this defect can be caused by hard, low-suction brick and high-cement content mortars or by the improper tooling of the mortar during the original construction.

moving bricks in a building

Exterior Masonry Moving Away from Structure

This condition is created by roof slabs and exposed columns, which cause an inadequate lateral support of masonry structures, coupled with masonry growth and frame movement, particularly roof slabs and exposed columns. It is most common in masonry panels where the backup is not tied into adjacent columns.

sealant failure in bricks

Sealant Failure

Good sealants can expand and contract up to 200 percent in a laboratory before bond or internal failure occurs. Exposure to ultra-violet light from the sun (particularly on south and west building elevations) can accelerate the deterioration of sealants. Joints that are improperly prepared will also hasten this weakening. Cracks, tears, compression, and bond separation will occur around windows and doors, in addition to expansion and control joints.

bricked wall that needs an inspection

Efflorescence

This is the white film on the face of masonry, which results from excessive moisture or rainwater being absorbed into walls. As the moisture evaporates the salts within the masonry are deposited on the wall face. While unsightly, it is not generally harmful to the masonry. However, it is a condition that should be corrected.

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