Top 7 Causes That Result in the Need to Repair Brick Walls in Wichita, KS

In the heart of Kansas, lies sunny Wichita! With its vibrant outdoor life and music scene, coupled with its up-and-coming downtown areas with eclectic shops and instrument shacks and friendly and diverse community, it's one of the best metro communities to call home in the American Midwest. Nestled in between the Ozark Mountains and the Colorado Rockies, it's the perfect location to make those weekend trips out for a backpacking or mountain adventure. Many beautiful, brick heritage homes bring a rich sense of history to the streets of Wichita. But, when your brick walls start to crumble or crack, it can be a thorn in the peace and smooth running of your home. 

Brick and mortar walls can seem indestructible which is why it can be so scary when they start to show signs of cracking, crumbling or deterioration. But, no need to fret! Most common brick wall repairs can be solved by our Wichita handymen of brick masons! If you're looking to repair brick walls in Wichita, KS, that beat the average repair costs, look no further than Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area!

Learn the top seven causes that result in needing to repair brick walls in Wichita and why you need to address this issue promptly. 

How to Tell When You Need to Repair Your Brick Wall

Masonry is the assemblage of brick, stones, or cement held together by mortar. Although it has become less popular in recent years, with many homeowners opting for vinyl or wood siding, brick still adds a rich, historical quality to any home. Whether it's a statement wall inside the home or to add a classic quality to the exterior, brick walls can still sustain structural damage and may need to undergo major or minor repairs. 

But, what exactly are the causes that result in repair? Brick walls in Wichita that need a facelift have a variety of damage causes. Read on to find out more! 

1. Staining

Staining can happen to any brick wall. Stains set in a bit heavier on brick walls than vinyl walls, for instance, because the stone absorbs moisture. This is a major problem on the exterior of the house and hinders its curb appeal. The most common causes of staining are water damage, extreme weather, aging, or salt and mineral deposits.

2. Spalling

Spalling bricks are a major cause for concern when it comes to the integrity of a brick wall. Spalling refers to the actual breaking down of the bricks, causing pieces of brick to crack, crumble, fall or chip. This will eventually result in the stones breaking away from the main wall completely. Spalling often happens due to moisture penetration or extreme weather. When the outer brick breaks away from the wall, the softer portion of the wall is then exposed, which can cause further damage.

3. Cracking

There are a variety of reasons that cosmetic and structural cracks develop in your brick walls. Like spalling, cracking can be the cause of moisture penetration. Mortar preparation can also cause cracking and additional costs down the line, so ensure mortar is prepared correctly by blending one part Portland cement to three parts sand or, if you're using a mix where the ingredients are already combined, add one part water to three or four parts of the mix and mix well for ten to fifteen minutes. 

Other causes of cracking are earthquakes and extreme weather events. As well as time. With age, brick can deteriorate over time and cause brick erosion. That's why it's so important to repair and upkeep minor or larger cracks as soon as you notice them developing in your walls. When you need to repair your brick wall, we highly recommend that you avoid DIY until you have had a detailed inspection. 

4. Moisture Damage

Common brick has a higher affinity to water than other exterior walls. Masonry quickly absorbs water which makes it more prone to structural damage than other walls. This can be especially prevalent in winter, once snow and ice thaw and water or moisture seeps into the masonry. This will eventually cause the brick to crumble. Because of all these factors, moisture protectant is essential for brick and mortar and other kinds of masonry.

5. Displacement 

When a portion of your home's support system shifts, this will cause your brick wall to do so as well. When a steel system corrodes, for example, it loses its structural integrity and causes foundation issues. The brick will then become displaced.

6. Bond Failure

The loss of adhesion between bricks can cause serious damage to your brick wall. Bond failure manifests in bulging or peeling of the wall, flaking, or hollow patches. It's a good way to schedule an annual assessment of your masonry to ensure it is structurally sound. 

7. Tree Root Growth

You might see plant growth or roots sprouting out of sidewalks from time to time while walking down your neighborhood streets. This same thing can happen in brick walls. When roots are in search of moisture, they expand and stretch, exerting pressure that can crack open bricks, causing cracks. 

Is It Time for Repair? Brick Wall Experts Can Be Found at Mr. Handyman

Is it time to get your brick walls back to pristine condition? Have they discolored and you'd like to get them back to a beautiful, rich red hue? No need to google "brick wall repair near me." Trust our professional masons for all your brick repair projects, including brick patios. With our brick painting and treatments, and replacement bricks installation, we'll ensure your bricks are repaired and protected so that extreme weather conditions, moisture and adhesion failure don't get in the way of your home's stunning exterior stone walls. 

We're a locally owned and operated business, so we know the needs of the Wichita Metro Area and its communities, including Andale, Andover, Atlanta, Augusta, Bel Aire, Benjamin Hills, Bentley, Benton, Cheney, Clearwater, Colwich, Derby, Douglass, Eastborough, El Dorado, Elbing, Garden Plain, Goddard, Greenwich, Haysville, Kechi, Leon, Maize, Milton, Mount Hope, Mulvane, Newton, North Newton, Park City, Peck, Potwin, Rose Hill, Schulte, Sedgwick, Towanda, Valley Center, Viola, and Whitewater. 

When you hire our team, we promise to get the job done right. With our Neighborly Done Right Promise, we believe a job isn't done until it's done right. And, if we don't get the job done right the first time, we'll make it right. That's why we're the handyman you can trust for all your brick issues and repair and home improvement needs. Call us today to enlist our professional services and we'll restore your brick back to its former glory! Mr. Handyman repairs brick walls in Wichita with a high level of professionalism.