There are three basic categories of masonry brick walls: veneer, solid, and cavity. Each of these wall styles has unique features and individual strengths. However, there’s one element that unifies all three. That element is deterioration for a variety of reasons. As experts in Massachusetts brick repair, our team at Abbot Building Restoration would like to take this moment to explain the three types of brick walls and signs of deterioration.
Veneer Walls
Veneer walls typically consist of a single layer of full-sized bricks tied to steel or wooden studs. The inner wall of the masonry project bears the weight of the structure, not the brick. Where the brick is on the exterior of the structure, this type of wall typically serves an aesthetic purpose. As a single layer wall has low insulation value, insulation is attached to the studs and not incorporated within the masonry.
Solid Walls
On the other hand, solid masonry brick walls contain two or more layers of thickness, attached during the masonry process and held together with metal ties or header bricks. Laying the header bricks perpendicular to the plane of the wall creates a load-bearing result. Solid walls are undeniably the most reliable type of brick masonry wall providing wall thickness, brick and mortar durability, and the strength of the mortar bond.
Cavity Walls
Next, are cavity walls. Consisting only of outer layers of brick, inner support is required. An air space of 2-4 inches separates the outer layer and the inner support. The inner support can either be another brick wall, a concrete block wall, or poured concrete. Cavity walls represent an ideal masonry system for preventing water penetration because the air space itself acts as a water barrier.
Signs You Need Brick Repair in Massachusetts
Brick repair in Massachusetts may be needed for several different reasons. Deterioration, or spalling, is the most common. Spalling occurs when moisture becomes trapped inside of the brick and expands through the freeze/thaw cycle. It is vital to pay attention to any signs of brick deterioration to preserve the integrity of your building. Beyond spalling, other signs can include:
- Stains, cracks, or missing mortar
- Delamination
- Efflorescence (white stains that result from the water extracting salts from the brick)
- Broken or loose bricks
Regardless of the type of wall, at the first signs of deterioration, you need to contact Abbot Building Restoration. As Boston’s premier team for Massachusetts brick repair, we remain committed to providing effective single-source solutions and quality workmanship with the utmost levels of safety. Our team is devoted to customer satisfaction and working proactively with building owners and property managers to ensure we exceed expectations on each and every project.
Contact us today at (617) 445-0274 to schedule your free inspectional survey.
