6 Of The Biggest Threats To A Masonry Structure

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6 Of The Biggest Threats To A Masonry Structure
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• Used in all manner of construction projects
  throughout the world, whether for residential,
  commercial or industrial purposes, masonry
  structures are typically sturdy, durable, energy
  efficient, resistant to fire and even
  sound-proof. That said, while nothing beats
  masonry in terms of longevity in the construction
  world, it can still be prone to damage that if
  left unrepaired or unrestored, can pose a serious
  threat to the very integrity of a building or
  other such structure.
• To help protect and preserve your masonry
  structure, whether it be an entire building or
  just a chimney, for example, its worth
  understanding what some of the biggest threats to
  masonry are, and how they should be dealt with.

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• What are classed as masonry repairs?
• When a masonry contractor carries out repairs on
  a masonry structure, they will typically patch
  and plug any gaps, holes or cracks in the mortar
  between the stone, concrete or brickwork. In many
  instances, its necessary for the safety of a
  structure for the masonry professional to remove
  and replace any old mortar or bricks that may
  have become weakened over time, or due to an
  incident in which it became damaged.

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• What are 6 of the biggest threats to a masonry
  structure?
• Below are 6 problems that can easily cause damage
  to any masonry structure, and which if observed,
  should be inspected, assessed and repaired as
  soon as possible

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• 1. Moisture penetration
• Moisture is hugely problematic for masonry
  structures, and when a masonry wall is exposed to
  elements such as rain, it may easily absorb it,
  and this typically happens either over time due
  to general wear and tear, or quickly due to a
  hole, crack or gap in the wall. Able to
  compromise the structural integrity of a
  building, water penetration will also go through
  the highly damaging freeze and thaw cycle, in
  which additional pressure is exerted onto the
  masonry materials used to construct the building
  or wall.
• Rather worryingly, moisture penetration also
  poses a very real threat to any other materials
  used in the structure, such as metal, wood,
  windows and doors.

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• 2. Cracks
• Often found in masonry structures (particularly
  ones that are aged), cracks can happen when
  buildings settle, or in the case of water
  penetration as discussed above. Also, if the
  mortar used in the construction process wasnt
  prepared properly, this can cause the joints to
  crack. Such natural disasters as floods and
  earthquakes are often responsible for cracked
  walls or foundations, too.

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• 3. Staining
• A problem commonly experienced by walls that face
  externally, staining can take place over time and
  as a result of continued exposure to the
  elements. Unsightly, most homeowners seek
  professional help to rectify the issue if their
  property starts to look stained, dirty and
  unkempt. Old walls and a problem with water
  penetration or seepage, are the main contributors
  to staining on masonry structures.

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• 4. Bond failure
• To ensure the stability and strength of a masonry
  structure, along with improve its aesthetic
  appearance, bricks or other building materials
  are arranged in a systematic manner known as the
  bond. However, should the adhesive material used
  to keep the materials in place, begin to fail,
  this can lead to problems such as peeling or
  bulging, flaking top layers or patches that are
  hollow.

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• 5. Displacement
• This particular structural problem takes place
  when steel systems used in the construction of a
  building begin to corrode and break down, or when
  there has been the use of inadequate support for
  the building in the form of anchors, or due to
  the action of the freeze/thaw cycle. When masonry
  materials begin to shift and move out of place,
  its commonly known as displacement.

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• 6. Spalling
• Caused by the penetration of moisture, and/or the
  freeze/thaw cycle over time, spalling is when the
  materials used to build a structure begin to fall
  from the masonry wall. If left untreated,
  spalling can have disastrous consequences for the
  structural stress of a masonry wall.
• Protect your home or business with regular
  inspections from a qualified masonry contractor,
  and always try to have any masonry issues
  detected within a structure, professionally
  repaired in good time.

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  construction companies in Astoria, NY, contact us
  at 718-956-8483.