In Boston and the surrounding area, historic brick buildings are a defining feature. To keep the historic beauty of these buildings alive, our team at Abbot Building Restoration has several techniques and repair methods depending on the material, age, and form of damage to the building. One of the most common problems we encounter is spalling. Spalling is when pieces of the brick’s surface break away or flake off. There are multiple reasons for this effect, and how the damage was caused can help us determine how we handle a Boston masonry repair project.
Fixing spalling bricks is an essential part of Boston masonry repair. Here are some of the most common causes of spalling bricks.
Moisture and Weathering
Temperatures often fluctuate, especially at the higher levels of a building’s exterior. When moisture penetrates the brick, the water expands when it freezes and then thaws again when it warms up. The expansion and contraction of the water in the brick pushes the surface of the brick out, causing pieces to flake off.
Naturally occurring weather conditions are not the only external seasonal cause of spalling. Bricks near the ground are exposed to de-icing salts and similar chemicals, which compromise the surface of the brick.
Poor Quality Materials
Although we often think that all older buildings were made with high-quality materials, that’s not always the case. Due to budget constraints or material availability, even beautiful old buildings can suffer from having low-quality materials. Whether the bricks themselves or the mortar are the problem, poor-quality materials can allow water to seep into the surface or deteriorate faster than higher-quality alternatives would. The mortar also needs to be compatible with the bricks, so the wrong type of mortar can also lead to problems like spalling.
Improper Installation
Even the highest quality materials have to be installed properly, or else the building will suffer from all kinds of damage. For example, if a brick wall was not built with proper drainage, moisture can get trapped and cause spalling. Over time, structural issues can also lead to spalling. As the building settles and shifts, it puts pressure on the bricks, forcing pieces off the surface.
Boston Masonry Repair | Abbot Building Restoration
Understanding the causes of damage is essential when it comes to Boston masonry repair. By determining the cause of the damage, we can avoid the problems being repeated in the future and so extend the life of the building.
