Brick is everywhere in Dallas suburbs but the extremes of Texas weather pose significant challenges for brick structures. Hot, hot, heat in the summer and quick freeze-and-thaw cycles in the winter can cause all types of troublesome brick damage in your home.
Spotting the signs early and being able to identify them to a professional brick repair expert is an important task every homeowner in the Dallas area needs to be able to manage.
Here are five ways brick damage can occur because of extreme weather and how to find a Dallas brick repair specialist for each specific situation.
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Dallas summers can be sweltering, with excessively high temperatures often surpassing 100°F. This extreme heat takes a toll on brick over time, leading to expansion and potential damage -particularly in the mortar in the joints between the bricks.
When temperatures soar, bricks absorb heat and expand. This expansion causes stress on the mortar joints, in turn causing cracks and weakening the overall structure. And keep in mind that the sun can cause bricks to reach temperatures up to 20°F higher than the temperature of the air, worsening the expansion process.
As temperatures rise and fall between day and night in the summer -or thawing and freezing in the winter- your bricks are subjected to constant expansion and contraction. This repeated stress causes cracks and fractures, ("spalling", in brick lingo) in both the bricks and mortar.
Over time, these small imperfections can worsen, compromising your home's structural integrity. Occasional inspections and maintenance after your exterior is more than 20 years old, are very important to catch and address these issues in time.
While Dallas is known for its hot summers, the city also experiences periods of heavy rainfall in the spring and fall/winter, which can be equally damaging to brick structures.
Water infiltration is one of the most common sources of brick damage, especially when there are existing vulnerabilities like water seepage between chimney flashing, moisture in the ground, or other persistent problems.
When rain saturates bricks, it can seep into tiny cracks and pores, weakening the mortar in the joints between bricks over time. This moisture can lead to efflorescence: a white, powdery substance that appears on the brick surface.
Not to mention, water causes the mortar to deteriorate over time, creating gaps between bricks and allowing deeper water penetration.
One thing to be aware of is that poor drainage systems can also lead to brick damage if your gutters and downspouts aren't functioning properly. When they overflow, water will accumulate around your home's foundation, increasing the risk of moisture-related issues.
This is why it's important to make sure your gutters and drainage system are functioning correctly and direct water away from your home's foundation.
Although less frequent in Dallas, freezing temperatures do occur throughout the winter months, exposing brick structures to another weather-related threat. Much like the frequent heating and cooling cycle of the summer, the freeze-thaw cycle of the winter can cause damage to bricks and mortar.
When water seeps into brick pores and freezes, it expands. This creates pressure within the brick and as temperatures rise and fall, the cycle repeats, causing cracks, spalling, and even worse damage.
While Dallas doesn't experience long periods of freezing weather, even infrequent frosts can contribute to cumulative damage over time.
Address any existing cracks or vulnerabilities promptly to prevent water infiltration and subsequent freeze-thaw damage.
Low-quality masonry construction can cause you all sorts of problems. Poor construction practices often result in premature brick damage, such as improper mortar mix and lack of expansion joints.
The mortar binding your bricks together is very important to your structure's stability. When builders cut corners with mortar, it always means trouble for your home in the long-run.
A proper mortar blend contains the right ratio of cement, lime, and sand. When contractors skimp on quality ingredients or mess up the proportions, you create a weak link that makes your brick facade vulnerable.
A strong mortar bond is your first line of defense against the elements. Without it, you'll notice bricks shifting, gaps forming, and water seeping into places where it shouldn't.
Soft mortar crumbles under pressure, leaving your bricks unsupported. This leads to sagging in your brick walls and brick displacement.
Premature wear is another telltale sign of soft mortar. It will appear as excessive erosion between bricks. As the mortar washes away, your bricks lose their sturdy foundation, and this can lead to many other problems later.
Expansion joints allow your home to breathe and move with temperature changes. Without them, this pressure has nowhere to go.
Imagine wearing a shirt that's two sizes too small - that's what happens to your brick walls without expansion joints.
As temperatures rise and fall, bricks expand and contract. Without room to move, they push against each other, causing stress and eventual cracking.
Hairline cracks will appear at first, typically near windows or doors where stress concentrates. Over time, these cracks widen, and this allows water to seep in and cause more serious damage.
Proper expansion joints act like shock absorbers for your brick walls. They're typically filled with a flexible material that can compress and expand, allowing home's exterior a little "give and take" with the environment. Without these very important gaps, your brick facade is fighting a losing battle against physics.
If you suspect poor construction practices have compromised your North Dallas luxury home, don't wait for the problem to worsen.
Consult the 5-star masonry team at Brick Experts to determine how to fix, upgrade, or replace your faulty masonry installation and repair any damage that it's caused. Your home's longevity and value depend on addressing these issues promptly.
Settling foundations and structural shifts are common causes of brick damage in Dallas homes. Nearly every DFW home has had to repair either their brick exterior or a part of their foundation, which was causing unsightly cracks and other structural problems.
Dallas' clay-heavy soil is notorious for its expansive properties. During periods of heavy rainfall, this soil absorbs water like a sponge, swelling and exerting pressure on your home's foundation. Then during dry conditions, the soil shrinks, creating pockets of empty space under your foundation.
This cycle of expansion and contraction can cause your foundation to shift, settle, or even heave. This puts in stress on your brick walls, leading to cracks and other damage.
In homes with larger footprints this problem is even worse, as they're more susceptible to uneven settling.
When your foundation moves, your brick walls usually bear the brunt of the stress. Watch for signs of foundation-related brick damage:
Don't ignore these warning signs. Early detection and intervention can prevent more extensive expensive repairs down the road.
Brick damage due to settling foundations isn't just a cosmetic issue. It will quickly compromise the structural integrity of your home and cause it to lose value. Regular visual inspections and proactive maintenance are preserve the beauty and stability of your brick exterior -if you keep up with them regularly.
Moisture accumulation and efflorescence are common issues that can lead to brick damage. These types of problems often stem from the region's extreme climate and can impact the longevity and appearance of your brick exterior.
Bricks are porous materials that naturally absorb water. While beneficial for some aspects of construction, this can lead to substantial brick damage in Dallas' heavy rains.
The process of water absorption in bricks is complex and depends on various factors. Older bricks tend to be more porous and absorb water more readily than newer, denser varieties.
During heavy rainfall or prolonged exposure to moisture, all bricks can become saturated though, leading to a range of issues.
To mitigate water absorption issues, consider applying a high-quality, breathable sealant to your brick exterior. And regular maintenance and prompt repairs of any visible cracks or damaged mortar joints (aka tuckpointing) help prevent water damage and mortar deterioration in the first place.
Efflorescence is another common form of brick damage in Dallas that appears as a white, powdery substance on the surface of bricks. This strange looking phenomenon happens when water-soluble salts within the brick or mortar are drawn to the surface by moisture, crystallizing as the water evaporates.
The formation of efflorescence typically indicates underlying moisture problems. Don't confuse this with a purely cosmetic issue either; efflorescence can signal major structural concerns that require attention.
Several factors contribute to efflorescence formation:
Keeping a close eye on your home's brick exterior can help detect early signs of efflorescence -and intervention before significant damage occurs.
Brick damage in Dallas homes isn't always caused by natural elements or structural issues. Good old fashioned accidents and forceful impacts can do plenty of such damage:
Brick damage from vehicles or equipment is a frequent occurrence in Dallas homes, especially around garages and driveways.
Garage entrances are particularly vulnerable to brick damage. As you back out or pull in, it's easy enough to scrape against the brick, leaving unsightly marks or chips.
Lawn mowers, trimmers, and other landscaping equipment can accidentally strike your home's brick facade, causing minor damage that worsens over time.
Even small chips or cracks in your brick can lead to more serious issues if left unattended. Water can seep into these openings, causing further problems, so consult a masonry expert if your home experiences damage in this way.
Tree roots and vegetation growth can damage your home's brick foundation and exterior walls. As trees grow and their root systems expand, they exert pressure on nearby structures, causing shifts or breaks in your foundation.
Dallas' clay soil facilitates this growth. During periods of drought, the soil contracts, creating gaps that tree roots eagerly fill. When heavy rains return, the soil expands, and the roots push against your home's foundation.
Vegetation growing too close to your home can also cause brick damage to occur. Ivy and other climbing plants can penetrate mortar joints, weakening the masonry over time.
Brick damage in Dallas homes can be mitigated through proactive measures. Regular inspections and staying on top of repairs help maintain the appearance and strength of your brick exterior.
Regular inspections can identify brick damage early on. Conduct thorough checks of your brick exterior at least twice a year, ideally in spring and fall. During these inspections, look for signs of wear and pay close attention to areas prone to moisture accumulation (gutters, windows, etc.).
When it comes to brick damage in Dallas, why work with anyone but the best? Brick Experts is the most trusted name in the Dallas / Fort Worth area, with over 70 5-star reviews and a long history serving local homeowners.
Brick damage in North Dallas homes is usually caused by intense summers and heavy rainfall. Poor construction practices and foundation problems also contribute. And, in general, moisture accumulation, efflorescence, external impacts, and tree root growth can all lead to brick displacement and deterioration.
Dallas' climate significantly impacts brick structures. Heat causes bricks to expand putting stress on mortar joints and causing cracks. Heavy rainfall results in water penetration, weakening the joints. Freezing temperatures in the winter can create pressure within bricks and , over time, deterioration.
Common signs of brick damage include crumbling mortar, cracks ("spalling"), bulging bricks or bowing walls, and doors and windows that shift out of place. Other indications include efflorescence (a white, powdery substance on brick surfaces), loose bricks, and visible water.
To prevent brick damage, homeowners should conduct regular visual inspections, maintain proper drainage around the foundation, and properly seal and maintain brick exteriors. Consult with masonry experts about preventive maintenance to address potential problems as soon as they arise.
Brick damage is not merely cosmetic; unchecked it can compromise the integrity of your home. While minor issues may only affect appearance, even minor damage can lead to water infiltration and more serious problems.
Homeowners should inspect their brick exteriors at least twice a year, ideally in spring and fall, before and after seasons with intense weather conditions. Focus on areas prone to moisture accumulation and potential damage. Early detection enables you to prevent more extensive and costly damage in the long run.
Homeowners should consult a masonry expert when they notice signs like cracks, bulging walls, or foundation issues. Persistent moisture problems, efflorescence, or any structural shifting also warrant expert attention. While minor repairs might qualify as DIY projects, complex issues require experienced masonry professionals to ensure repairs address all your potential problems.
To find reliable brick repair experts in Dallas, homeowners should look for contractors with extensive experience and a proven track record in brick damage repair.
Brick Experts' masonry repair team is the best in the metroplex with dozens of 5-star reviews for projects ranging from broken mailboxes to commercial facades. We've got over 40 years of combined masonry experience and we can help you repair any kind of brick damage you've encountered.
Reach out today for a free quote and take care of your brick repair concerns before the problems worsens and costs you more money.
