Spotting Trouble Early: Warning Signs of Brick Damage Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Discover the different issues that damaged brick walls 
• Understand why timely brick repair matters 
• Learn when and who to call for brick issues

Did you know that brick homes are becoming popular for their strong structure and durability? Even now, the global bricks market size is expected to be worth around USD 2.36 trillion by 2034.

Brick homes are strong, but they are not stronger than time, weather, and structural stress. These things can actually damage a well-structured brick house. 

And if you miss the early signs, it will not only become an expensive fixing project for you, but it will also be a big danger to the people who live in that house. With a little attention, you can spot these signs and protect your home by doing some common brick repairs. 

Let’s dive into the article and understand what causes brick damage issues, how you can identify them, and what you can do to fix them. 

Cracks in the Brickwork or Mortar

Cracks are one of the first and easiest signs to notice. You can see them in brick and mortar. It can be big or very tiny, but if you are thinking that you can ignore small cracks, you are risking your own safety. Small cracks can appear because of underlying movements and moisture, and with time, they can get worse. 

If you do regular inspections after the seasonal change, you will be able to detect these signs early. 

Spalling: When Bricks Start to Flake or Pop

Only flaky pastry looks good, not flaky bricks, right? Wondering how spalling happens? So when the water gets inside the bricks, it makes the surface break, chip, and peel off. 

You can easily identify it, too. Just look for uneven surfaces on the bricks and find brick pieces on the ground. If you touch the brick and feel a soft or crumbling texture, it is a sign too. 

Spalling not only affects the look of your wall, but over time, it can damage the overall structure. So if you see spalling, don’t wait to call a pro. 

Vegetation Growth on Brick Surfaces

If you are seeing plants or weeds growing on your bricks, don’t be in ‘aww’ how beautiful it looks because it can dangerously damage your wall. When they grow, their roots will make the crack in the bricks bigger than ever. 

To make sure this does not happen with your brick wall, try to keep moisture away from the brick walls. And do regular cleaning, and if any vines try to climb the walls, just cut them off. 

Discoloration and Water Staining

If you see that your bricks are changing color and there are dark water stains, just get to the diagnosis; it’s water damage. Now it can be because of a drainage problem, or water running from the roof, or damaged flashing. 

Don’t want more damage? Just try to find out where the water is coming from. Once you find it, seal the damaged area. 

Why Timely Brick Repair Matters

When we talk about repairing, timing really matters. Want to know why? The problem is our home’s walls are just like a puzzle, and if a piece starts falling, and you don’t control it, it will become expensive to fix. 

So if you notice any early signs, talk to an expert. Check if the issue really needs help, and if it actually does, don’t waste time and fix it as soon as possible. 

Who to Call and When

DIY is good, but when it comes to repairing, try to call pros. Especially when the damage is extreme, because experts have the skills and experience in examining and fixing the brick issues. 

Even the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) says that if you hire professionals, they will help you find and fix the problems, even the ones you can’t see or notice. 

Your brick home will stay strong and beautiful for years. All you have to do is take care of it regularly, and if something seems off, fix it before it becomes an expensive and dangerous issue. 

---