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The 6 Most Common Masonry Problems in Sherwood, Oregon
If you own a home in Sherwood, Oregon that has exposed masonry walls, we have some revelations for you.
Brick is a timeless material, known for its resistance and versatility. We find it as much in mansions with a classical architectural style as in modern and unique constructions.
This material has several advantages and if it is well maintained, it will remain beautiful for several years, even decades.
Some masonry problems are minor and easy to repair, while others are more complex and can cause serious damage if not dealt with quickly.
In this article, we will discuss common masonry problems for homes in Sherwood, Oregon and offer advice on the steps to follow to fix them.
The 6 most common masonry problems
1) Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a common phenomenon on brick walls.
It is a whitish crystalline deposit that occurs on lime or masonry cement products.
It is sometimes confused with mold, but the difference is that efflorescence does not appear on surfaces made from organic substances.
You are more likely to notice an efflorescence problem during cooler and wetter times of the year such as fall and spring.
Regarding the solutions, it will be necessary to adapt according to the cause of the problem.
Most times, only a masonry expert can make a diagnosis and determine the best way forward.
However, once the problem has been fixed, a coat or two of masonry paint can restore your wall to its former beauty.
2) Belly-Beef Appearance/Swelling
This phenomenon with the funny name has far less sympathetic consequences.
The ‘belly-beef’ designates a swelling in a brick wall caused by water infiltration, rust on the anchors, deterioration of the mortar or the displacement of the exterior coating.
Any abnormal swelling in the ‘belly’ of the bricks can be a sign of belly-beef swelling.
If you notice this in a couple of bricks, contact a masonry expert for further help.
Note that painting your brick wall usually helps minimize water infiltration, however, you need to eliminate any sources of stray water such as runoff from damaged gutters and leaking roofs.
3). Deterioration of the Mortar
The mortar used for the brick joints may be of poor quality, or it may have deteriorated.
As soon as you see signs of degradation, act quickly to avoid other problems such as water infiltration and the appearance of beef bellies.
4). Damaged Bricks
Over time, it can also damage bricks, in particular, because of temperature variations or various factors that can reduce their lifespan.
A handyman will often recommend replacing the damaged bricks or filling sections of the damaged bricks and applying a brick stain or paint to restore uniformity.
5) Cracks in the walls
Cracks in brick walls can signal a belly-beef, but this is not the only cause.
It could signal a different problem, for instance, the movement that created the crack may be due to a subsidence of the house, or a problem with the foundations.
If the cracks are hairline-thine and minor, repainting or re-staining your bricks can restore the aesthetic appeal.
6). Brick Mold
Brick mold can have rather significant consequences if the situation is not dealt with quickly.
Sometimes, if the mold has not yet had time to penetrate too deeply, simple cleaning and re-staining or painting can help fix the problem.
If mold is well established on the wall and in the openings, more in-depth work will have to be done.
It will also be important to determine what is causing the mold to prevent it from coming back.
Most times, it’s usually because of extended exposure to damp conditions and moisture.
The Bottom Line
Proper maintenance practices can fix most such as regular repainting, re-staining, and managing moisture.
Having said that, if you need professional help repainting/re-staining your home interior or exterior, our team at Maller Painting can help.
We have years of residential painting experience serving the areas of Beaverton, Sherwood, and Tigard, Oregon.
To give us a try, book a FREE estimate below or call us on (503) 410-6366 for more details.
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Kevin began painting houses with his father’s company, C&K Painting, in 1996. His father taught him how to use a brush, roller, and caulk and clean a brush properly. He then worked for several other paint companies, where he learned how to spray oils, lacquers, and all water-based finishes. In 2012, after 15 years of experience, he decided to get licensed and start the Maller Painting Company. His team has focused on providing the best re-painting services to our residential clients in the Beaverton area.
