Structural Faults That Can Crack Down Walls

Brick and mortar are sure to break and become dust one day. However, it is the sole responsibility of the homeowner to keep a vigil on his property and undertake maintenance from time to time.

The homeowner’s foresight will determine his ability to identify the trouble areas and seek the intervention of a masonry contractor. He should keep a look out for cracking walls and loose mortar joints.

Let’s have a look at reasons for walls to develop structural faults –

1. Structure

The components of the building that offer strength, integrity and stability to the building form the basic structure. It includes the floors, foundation, walls and the framework.

2. Structural Movement

Swaying, bulging, cracking, and the contraction and expansion of the building are classified as structural movement. These are normal movements that are happening at any given time of the day. A home owner needs to be worried when these movements lead to the creation of cracks and distortions.

3. Reasons for Structural Movement

Painting contractors in Chicago  state that there can be many reasons for structural movements that lead to structural faults – 

Lack of strength – if the basic structure of the building is unable to take the load of the framework, faults will be soon seen. The building that has little scope for movements will not last long.

Lack of togetherness – structures that have continuity tend to stick together for a longer time. This is especially seen in low rise buildings. Lack of it leads to cracks and faults.

Decay in the materials – water is the main culprit that leads to major structural faults in a building. The damage can be due to frost, decay of the timber over a period of time, rusting of iron components or a sulphate attack on the cement and the concrete.