Signs Your Old Building's Masonry Needs Professional Attention

Consider some of the most noteworthy structures across the globe, and you will notice that many of them have one thing in common: they boast masonic architecture. Stone and brick has been used in architecture for over 6,000 years, and it is easy to see why. Masonic cladding provides a durable finish for a building whereas other materials would deteriorate with age.

While masonry has the potential to last many years, there is always a chance that a feature will eventually need to be replaced or redone. Plus, it is not uncommon for property owners to try and cover or mend failing masonry, a practice that often causes issues later. How do you know if your stone needs repair or replacement? The following indicators will signal you to reach out for help from a professional mason.

Cracks are perhaps the most common sign that masonry work is in need of attention. Cracks may show up as vertical trenches that reach from the bottom of a wall to the top, as horizontal fissures or even as separations between individual stones. Either way, cracks in the stone are never a good sign.

Vertical cracks will spider-web their way up to the roof and may even split stones. These types of cracks tend to be associated with a settling or changing foundation and not the masonry itself. So even though the masonry work is damaged, if you see cracks, you should have your structure's foundation assessed.

Horizontal cracks that split right through brick and stone are often a sign that the wall is deteriorating. In a lot of situations, these cracks mean that the stones or bricks themselves are breaking down and that their load-bearing capabilities are compromised.

Signs of masonry failure don't always show up on the outside of a building first. You may actually see changes to the interior of a building before anything else, as exterior cladding often changes so gradually that you don't even see a problem outside. A few signs to look for inside the house include:

Some homes have wooden support beams inside the house that are specifically in place to support the weight of an exterior stone wall. Changes in these beams can also signify a problem with the cladding. For example, if the support beam seems to shift, the change could mean the outer wall has shifted and put more pressure than usual against the beam.

While there are certain things a professional mason can do to rectify the situation if an otherwise sound wall is failing, sometimes structure owners or unskilled contractors take measures that provide only temporary fixes. Three signs your masonry work has been mended in the past include:

If you suspect any of these interventions have been used on your home or building, have a professional take a look. While these interventions may have put off major renovations, if the cause of the problems aren't addressed, you may face bigger problems down the road. Instead of taking a path that will just delay repair or replacement, save money by addressing the root of the problem at once.  

Because the exterior cladding is such a vital part of a building's structure, any problems should get the professional attention. If you think the masonry of your property might be in trouble, reach out to us at Whitney-Anderson Building Group, LLC, for advice.