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Problems that Mr. Handyman can Solve with Brick and Mortar Repairs in Wichita, KS:
Most property owners don't spend a whole lot of time inspecting their walls, patios and other masonry structures. On top of that, deterioration tends to happen very slowly over a long period of time, which makes it far less obvious. That's why it's really not that surprising that damage can go undetected for quite a while, or that homeowners may "see" the damage to components of their homes such as brick siding but not realize it's a cause for concern.
If you know a bit more about the reasons to call our experienced masons for help, you can get the necessary brick and mortar repair services before it turns into a much bigger problem. Here are some common issues that our experts can solve:
BROKEN OR LOOSE BRICK
Much like a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, a masonry structure is only as strong as its weakest unit. While one broken unit isn't likely to cause a catastrophic collapse, it does allow for water ingress that can cause serious issues inside your walls, so it's important to have someone check it out and perform brick repair. Wichita, KS residents who notice a broken brick or a few units that have come loose from the mortar and shift around when they are touched don't need the entire building torn down and replaced, though. Your Wichita handyman can remove just the loose or damaged brick and replace it with a new unit to restore the overall strength and durability of the structure.
This problem also includes spalling bricks, where sections of the surface are flaking, crumbling or peeling away. Much like other types of brick damage, fixing spalling is a minor repair compared to more serious problems. It simply involves removing the damaged bricks and replacing them. Because spalling is caused by exposure to moisture, your handyman will likely also perform an inspection to determine the source of moisture during your appointment for spalling brick repair. This is to stop the problem from coming back and causing more serious structural damage in the future.
CRUMBLING, LOOSE MORTAR
Bricks are pretty sturdy, but mortar is, by necessity, a lot softer and more prone to damage. It also doesn't last nearly as long as the masonry units themselves, which is why damaged mortar joints that need Wichita mortar repair are likely the most common problem for masonry installations. But if it's not dealt with in a timely manner, the bricks come into contact with each other and grind together as the building naturally shifts and settles, causing even more damage that will require the units to be replaced as well.
Mortar only really lasts around 20 years before it needs to be replaced, but bricks can last much, much longer. The Wichita mortar repair solution to that conundrum is brick repointing. Much like regrouting tile, repointing involves removing old mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar while leaving the existing bricks in place.
BOWED BRICK
If water is able to get into the space behind a masonry installation, it can cause the backing to swell or suffer damage and push against the units from behind. That makes the units either cave inward or bulge outward in a phenomenon that is often referred to as frost boil, because it is most likely to occur during cold weather when the moisture freezes, expands and puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the exterior surface.
This is a major issue for a number of reasons, because it affects the stability of the structure and also means moisture is inside your walls causing water damage, which is why this situation calls for experienced brick repair. The handyman professionals on our crew will handle the problem by removing the units that have been affected, fixing the water damage underneath (which may involve replacing the moisture barrier) and, of course, putting in replacement units.
VERTICAL CRACKS
If you spot a nasty-looking vertical crack in exterior walls or a different type of upright structure, you might be pretty alarmed. Fortunately, vertical cracks in bricks and mortar look a lot worse than they are, and it's actually a relatively common problem that can be solved with expert brick repair. Wichita, KS homeowners are often very concerned that the wall is at risk of collapse when they see a vertical crack, but it usually doesn't affect structural integrity. However, that doesn't mean it can be left alone without brick and mortar repair.
The problem is that the crack is letting in moisture, which can cause a wide range of serious problems such as bowed brick and interior water damage. This type of problem can sometimes be fixed with a simple epoxy application into the crack to seal it up, but in some cases, your Wichita handyman will need to use both epoxy and an expansion joint to relieve pressure on the corner from natural expansion over time.
COMPACTED BRICKS
Compacted masonry occurs when individual units become compressed and lose shape. This is a big problem for two reasons: one, it may allow water to seep behind the wall and cause issues like frost boil or wood rot inside the wall, and two, one compacted unit will eventually lead to extensive compacting across the structure because the first compacted brick isn't supporting the units around it properly and it becomes a chain reaction. If you notice a single compacted unit, it's important to get it resolved with brick repair. Wichita, KS residents can count on our expert handyman team to replace the compacted units and restore the wall strength and integrity of the structure.
PLANT GROWTH AND DIRT BUILD-UP
If your masonry surfaces or structures are covered in grimy build-up or organic growth such as algae and moss, it's visually unattractive and can lower your property's curb appeal. But if it's allowed to remain for a long time, it can cause problems that require mortar or brick repair. Wichita, KS professionals often find that build-up and organic growth that has been there for a long time slowly eats away at the materials underneath, weakening mortar and causing other issues. The best way to avoid that problem is with professional pressure washing services. Our team can clean off your masonry surfaces quickly and effectively so they stay in great shape for much longer—and look a lot nicer as well.
Why Mr. Handyman is Wichita's Best Choice for Brick and Mortar Repair:
When you need commercial or residential brick mortar repair in Wichita, rely on the team of experienced technicians at Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area for superior masonry services. Our dedicated professionals have the skill and training to take care of your entire property, from the front gate to the backyard fence line, effectively, safely and efficiently.
We're confident in the ability of our handyman professionals to do the work correctly the first time and meet or exceed your expectations, which is why we back them up with a labor warranty called the Done Right Promise—if it's not done right, we'll make it right!
OUR BRICK AND MORTAR REPAIR SERVICES
There's a wide variety of masonry structures on Wichita residential and commercial properties, and you can rely on our skilled team to take care of them all with expert brick repair. Wichita, KS homes and businesses can rely on Mr. Handyman’s services for:
- Brick wall repair
- Masonry chimney repair
- Brick mailbox replacement
- Brick mailbox repair
- Brick porch repair and patio repair
- Installing or repairing brick steps
- Outdoor fireplace repair or installation
- Brick fence post construction or repair
Frequently Asked Questions About Mortar and Brick Repair in Wichita, KS
Interested in learning more about mortar and brick repair? Wichita, KS residents can call our friendly staff to get all their queries answered and find out more about our other reliable handyman services as well. We have also provided replies to a few frequently asked questions below.
IS IT NORMAL FOR MORTAR TO CRACK?
It is quite common for old mortar to form cracked mortar joints or crumble away, weakening the overall structure. This typically happens after about 20 years, though the deterioration may be accelerated by factors such as exposure to harsh weather. Mortar simply doesn't last anywhere near as long as masonry units, so it needs to be replaced more frequently with a process called repointing that involves removing the damaged material and replacing it with new mortar, while leaving the masonry units in place.
HOW OFTEN DOES BRICK NEED TO BE REPLACED?
That really depends. If a brick structure is well-maintained and cared for, it can last for more than 100 years before it needs to be replaced. That being said, Wichita mortar repair will be necessary several times throughout that century, and there will probably be a few individual units that need replacing here and there with brick repair. Wichita, KS property owners who don't have the time or inclination to maintain their brick through the years can rely on the masonry professionals at Mr. Handyman to keep it in excellent shape so it's available for future generations to enjoy.
CAN WICHITA MORTAR REPAIR BE DONE IN HOT WEATHER?
Yes, Wichita mortar repair can be done while it's hot outside—but it does require a bit of extra care and strategy. Your handyman should always start with shaded areas wherever it's possible, because if they start in an area that is exposed to direct, hot sunlight, the mortar will dry too fast and won't cure properly. Work should be avoided during the hottest part of the day, and it's a good idea to use water-retentive mortar mixes.
CAN COSMETIC DAMAGE ON A BRICK BE REPAIRED WITHOUT REMOVING IT?
If you've got some basic cosmetic surface damage on a brick face, but there's a reason why the brick should not be removed—maybe it's a historic building, or a unique color of brick that would be difficult to match—there is a solution for brick repair. Wichita, KS masons on our team may be able to simply take the brick out, turn it around, and reinstall it with the other, undamaged side facing out. Of course, this strategy only works if the unit is in relatively good shape and hasn't suffered problems such as compacting.
Need Mortar and Brick Repair? Wichita, KS Can Count On Mr. Handyman!
Are you living in Wichita, KS or another part of the greater metro area such as Benjamin Hills, Park City or Haysville? Whether you need brick and mortar repair services for your home or commercial property, trust the team of professionals at Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area to deliver top standards of workmanship and customer care that goes above and beyond.
Ready to schedule a convenient appointment for service, or have questions about our reliable repair, maintenance, installation and improvement services? Give us a call to chat with our knowledgeable customer service representatives. We're looking forward to the opportunity to show you what we can do!
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