Fixing Cracked Brick Walls

Cracked brick walls aren’t just unsightly, they can also threaten the structural integrity of your home. However, it’s important to understand that not all brick wall cracks are created equal. Some cracks are more serious than others, and some may even indicate an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Fixing Cracked Brick Walls can be a costly undertaking depending on the severity of the underlying issue. So, it is vital to understand how the cracks in your brick wall developed and to take steps to repair them as soon as possible to avoid costly problems down the road.

Brick wall cracks are a result of many different factors. A few of the most common reasons include:

Settlement – the soil beneath your property can shift over time, which causes a settling in the foundation and puts pressure on bricks that can cause them to crack.

Thermal expansion and contraction – fluctuations in temperature, especially during freezing and thawing cycles, can cause the bricks to expand and contract, which can lead to cracking. Moisture damage – water infiltration through leaky pipes, gutters and faulty waterproofing can weaken the structure of your bricks and lead to cracking. Poor construction or design – substandard mortar, a sloping site and inadequate structural support can all contribute to the development of cracked brick walls.

How Can I Tell if I Need to Repair Brick Walls?

The best way to determine if your brick wall requires repair is to examine the cracks and their size. If the cracks are small, only a few inches long and don’t extend into other areas of your brick walls then they’re considered cosmetic cracks and may not need to be repaired. However, if the cracks are widespread and extending into other parts of your brick wall, or are accompanied by crumbling or bowing of the surrounding area then it’s probably time to call a professional.

Horizontal Brick Cracks

If the cracks in your brick wall are moving horizontally, it is often a sign of foundation failure and can be very dangerous for the structural stability of your home. Leaving this to continue for too long can lead to your house collapsing or even falling down. Generally, these kinds of issues are extremely expensive to repair and can require underpinning methods or replacing a foundation lintel.

Precise Restumping & Underpinning successfully maintains a reputation for delivering quality, reliable and sound services to clients all over New South Wales, with a licensed builder that personally oversee all work.