Cracked Bricks
Do you have cracked bricks? Discover what causes this problem, how to fix it, and the benefits of professional foundation repair.
Schedule InspectionNoticing cracked bricks on your property’s exterior? Your foundation may be in danger. These cracks result from pressure due to shifting or settling foundations, threatening your home’s structural integrity.
You need to act fast. Temporary solutions like mortar and crack fillers don’t target the root cause. For a durable solution and to maintain your property’s value, consider expert foundation repair solutions, like those offered by Groundworks.
Noticing cracked bricks on your property’s exterior?
Book your appointment today.
What Are Cracked Bricks?
A cracked brick wall is typically characterized by jagged lines that zigzag across its surface. These cracks can vary from minor gaps to larger holes or areas of eroded mortar.
Brick cracks are more than just an eyesore. They signify foundational damage in your home, a problem that requires immediate attention.
What Causes Cracked Bricks?
Several factors can cause brick cracks, including:
- Foundation Settlement: If the ground under your foundation moves or sinks, it puts strain on brick walls, resulting in cracks. Expansive clay and other soil issues can cause a shifting foundation.
- Expanding Tree Roots: Tree roots growing beneath your foundation can cause the surrounding soil to expand, displacing bricks and mortar, which often results in cracked bricks.
- Ground Conditions: Excessive moisture can cause the soil under your home to contract and expand, destabilizing your foundation and leading to cracks in the brick walls.
Can You Restore Cracked Bricks?
The good news is that brick cracks can be repaired to preserve your foundation. However, store-bought products like crack fillers only offer a temporary solution.
We recommend professional foundation repair solutions that address the root cause of the cracked bricks. Consequently, this leads to a safer home environment and prevents more costly structural problems.
How to Fix Cracked Bricks
Our team will customize a treatment plan for cracked bricks based on your specific needs.
When cracks result from a shifting foundation, we install helical or push piers to stabilize your home. If hydrostatic pressure is the cause of cracks, our wall anchors and I-beams could help:
- Wall anchors can stabilize and gradually straighten a cracked brick wall. Our team embeds an earth anchor into the ground approximately 10 feet from the wall and links it to an interior wall plate with a galvanized steel rod. Tightening the bolt on the interior plate can restore the wall.
- Steel L-beams also serve as an effective solution. We position these structural supports against cracked brick walls and secure them to the floor and a floor joist. Tightening the bolts at the top of the I-beams can straighten the walls.
Why Fix Brick Cracks Now?
Repairing cracked brick walls promptly is beneficial for several reasons:
- Quick intervention minimizes the risk of structural damage and high repair costs.
- Fixing cracks prevents moisture from infiltrating your home, thereby averting mold and wood rot.
- Addressing structural issues can maintain and potentially enhance your property’s value.
Contact Groundworks for Cracked Brick Repairs in Alberta
If you see cracked bricks on the exterior of your home, it’s essential to address this issue promptly. Ignoring this problem could risk the structural stability of your property and potentially endanger your family’s safety. Our foundation piers, wall anchors, and I-beams are designed to restore your brick walls, preventing costlier repairs in the future.
Reach out to Groundworks today for a free, no-obligation inspection and estimate.
Cracked Brick Repair FAQs
Mortar might temporarily seal cracked bricks but won’t solve the cause of this problem, which might be foundation shifts or growing tree roots. We suggest professional foundation repair solutions such as wall anchors and I-beams to prevent cracks from reappearing.
It depends on the number of affected bricks, the extent of damage, and other factors. Our team can inspect your brick walls for free and then give you a price estimate.
Cracked bricks look unsightly and indicate damage to your property. Investing in professional repairs can improve the appearance and safety of your home, making it more desirable to potential buyers.
Do you see any of these signs? Book an appointment now!
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