Brick and Masonry is much-loved, but to give it a long life, ensure you use the correct match of mortar and brick. Efflorescence and Flashing, among many, are important measures that should be taken.
Brick and masonry are the most refined exteriors that a house can have. Their combination is beautiful, traditional, and strong. This is reason enough to overlook some of the precautions that should be taken, which can otherwise lead to certain mistakes that can take up loads of your time and money.
Here are some common mistakes that should be carefully avoided even when you hire a masonry contractor in Chicago for the job:
1. Check the Mortar
Ensure that the mortar used for repairs matches the era of the brick work. Older mortar is lime-based and softer than today’s mortar (Portland cement). If not matched, be ready for an uncalled for collapse, since the expansion and contraction are different in both cases. Not all those who repair bricks in Chicago or elsewhere will be careful with this. So, watch out!
2. Efflorescence Effect
Efflorescence refers to the salt crystals which, over time, can form over brick and masonry. With time, these salt crystals grow large enough to cause cracks in the brick and mortar, resulting in a loss of structural integrity.
3. Rust and Corrosion
Rust, which can easily expand to four times the size of the original support, puts pressure on the masonry, causing corrosion which ultimately leads to severe cracks. Proper care during installation is the only way out.
4. Careful Flashing
To keep the integrity of the brick and masonry work intact, flashing is the single most important method. If not installed properly, a severe collapse is inevitable.
5. Measured Maintenance
Some routine maintenance is required to keep the mortar in perfect shape. Water collection and improper cleaning should be taken care of prior to anything else.
Brick and masonry are the most refined exteriors that a house can have. Their combination is beautiful, traditional, and strong. This is reason enough to overlook some of the precautions that should be taken, which can otherwise lead to certain mistakes that can take up loads of your time and money.
Here are some common mistakes that should be carefully avoided even when you hire a masonry contractor in Chicago for the job:
1. Check the Mortar
Ensure that the mortar used for repairs matches the era of the brick work. Older mortar is lime-based and softer than today’s mortar (Portland cement). If not matched, be ready for an uncalled for collapse, since the expansion and contraction are different in both cases. Not all those who repair bricks in Chicago or elsewhere will be careful with this. So, watch out!
2. Efflorescence Effect
Efflorescence refers to the salt crystals which, over time, can form over brick and masonry. With time, these salt crystals grow large enough to cause cracks in the brick and mortar, resulting in a loss of structural integrity.
3. Rust and Corrosion
Rust, which can easily expand to four times the size of the original support, puts pressure on the masonry, causing corrosion which ultimately leads to severe cracks. Proper care during installation is the only way out.
4. Careful Flashing
To keep the integrity of the brick and masonry work intact, flashing is the single most important method. If not installed properly, a severe collapse is inevitable.
5. Measured Maintenance
Some routine maintenance is required to keep the mortar in perfect shape. Water collection and improper cleaning should be taken care of prior to anything else.
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