Bricks are considerably more impervious to the elements than is the mortar that holds them all together. Acid rain, age and lack of maintenance take a toll on the mortar, it begins to flake, crumble and eventually fall out. When this happens there is a path for moisture and air to enter the void between the brick veneer and the interior wall, the result can be structural instability and other damage. When you notice missing mortar, sagging bricks or brick retaining walls that are beginning to sag it is advance notice to call tuckpointing contractors in Chicago.
Inspection:
Tuckpointing contractors will first conduct a full visual inspection of the premises. Many contractors use digital images that can be enlarged, helping them plan the repair work. The inspection not only revels mortar joints that have failed, it revels joints that are about to fail.
Free standing walls or retaining walls not only are subject to mortar loss, they may sag or bow. This problem is often the result of poor workmanship when the wall was first built. If, during the inspection process the tuckpointing contractors in Chicago notice cracks it may indicate that the wall is deteriorating from the backside and there may be broken or missing ties.
Another area which is prone to mortar loss is around windows and doors. Over every opening for a window or door there is a lintel, a solid beam that is designed to carry the overhead load. If the lintel should shift as a result of settling of the house on the foundations, small cracks will appear in the mortar.
If you notice missing mortar, hairline cracks between brick courses, bowing or sagging then you need to hire tuckpointing contractors in Chicago that can make effective and long lasting repairs. You are invited to contact Fortune Restoration for details. And also like our page on Facebook.
