If your commercial property, condo, or home has stone or limewash brick walls, you will require a masonry contractor at some point. This is particularly true if you live in an area where exposure to the elements can greatly damage the stone or brick wall.? 

Masonry problems can result in catastrophic consequences for you as a property owner. This?varies?on the?severity?of the?damage and where it’s located. Most of these issues can make your property unsafe such as?extreme loss of heat,?foundation issues, infiltration?of moisture, and much more.?? 

It is vital to know the indications of masonry wear and tear so you can hire a?masonry contractor to fix them right away.? 

Deterioration of the Mortar? 

As the name implies, this issue happens when the mortar between the bricks begin to disintegrate and/or buckle. Of course, bricks will begin to loosen up and rub against each other with no healthy buffer between them. This can lead to warping and damages. This can also result in extremely expensive repairs, especially if you ignore the problem for too long.? 

Staining and Efflorescence? 

For those who do not know, the presence of soluble salts rising through concrete is called efflorescence. It is very common since the causes are natural. This includes dew, rain, condensation, moist conditions, and low temperatures.?? 

You can treat this issue using a pressure washing method. However, it only works if the problem is at?an?early stage. If you leave the issue alone, it will be a lot harder to get rid of it.?? 

Compacted Bricks? 

It’s easy to spot compacted bricks since it will have lost its real shape. It could appear cracked or bowed. This is an issue for several reasons. First?of all, compacted bricks open?up a hole in your wall where water can leak in. Next, a compacted brick will typically result in more damaged bricks since the affected brick doesn’t offer the pressure required to be stable.?? 

Therefore,?one?damaged?brick will affect?the other bricks?that surrounds?the wall until you’ve got a severe issue.? 

Vertical Corner Cracks? 

This type of crack?is?the least problematic when it comes to foundation cracks. You will not have to worry about a collapsing wall if you notice a crack in the foundation within 30 degrees of vertical.?? 

This type of crack is normal. This typically occurs due to expansion. However, there is still an issue. Vertical cracks allow water to leak inside when it is raining outside. This can result in?a?bulging brick.? 

Bowed Brick? 

Bulging brick, commonly known as bowed?brick, is when the bricks in the exterior wall either cave in or jut out around a particular spot. Typically, this is the result of moisture that has leaked inside the brick. The moisture either softens the plaster or wood behind the brick that leads to bricks sinking in or warps the bricks and the concrete and forces them to push out.?? 

This is an obvious indication that something is wrong with your wall and you have to fix it right away.??