By J. A. Young
The exterior of your home can take a real beating at the hands of Mother Nature. Seasonal storms, temperature changes and routine wear and tear can virtually make havoc of your exterior masonry. This article lists some common masonry problems, along with some tips to repair them.
Frequently a wall surface becomes unstable because of loose plaster. An unsightly issue, this problem occurs when the layer of plaster on the wall breaks away from the block base. Water expansion and contraction is generally the culprit in these cases. The only way to solve this is to remove the problem areas, patch and repaint.
If your exterior suffers from loose bricks, either a few or a section of them, you’ll need to remove the bricks along with the old mortar. Replace bricks with new mortar. This is a problem that is rarely preventable as loose bricks are caused by extreme changes in temperature and the expansion and contraction of water trapped under the brick surface.
Efflorescence occurs when water and mineral salts combine in the masonry and cause the surface to crystallize. Efflorescence might be prevented by reducing sources of moisture. It can be rather difficult to clean, but you can scrape away the mineral deposits and purchase an efflorescence remover - use with caution as the chemicals are quite dangerous that do this job.
If your exterior sports flaking paint, it is quite possible that the previous paint job was not done adequately. Flaking paint may also be due to water penetration. In this case, it’s best to scrape down to a bare or clean surface before repainting.
Rust stains are another unsightly problem for masonry. They are caused when a metal fixture corrodes and washes down the wall surface during a rain. Rusting nails below the paint surface can also cause the typical brown stain. To remedy, paint the metal fixtures. You’ll want to clean the stained areas, seal and repaint.
Cracks are a very common problem for homeowners, but they should always be checked out in case there are major problems with the foundation. Small cracks are usually caused by slight movement of the house or as the house settles. Small cracks should be filled with cement or exterior filler. To hide the repair, consider a fresh coat of paint.
A leaking gutter or downspout can also spell trouble for your masonry in the form of mold or algae growth. Even a small damp area can quickly get out of hand as the mold growth explodes. Purchase a treatment and give these areas a couple of coats of it - certainly before any painting.
Similarly, lichen can pose a problem for masonry with its rapid growth. Be sure to scrape away all growth and treat the areas with a fungicide.
Tuckpointing may be the solution for simple mortar decay caused by the elements. Moisture and drastic temperature change can break down your mortar joints. Tuckpointing is usually done by professionals and costs can vary.
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