How often should I inspect my masonry?

Give it a good walk-around at least once a year, especially in the spring. You're just looking for any new cracks or crumbling spots that weren't there last year.

Can small cracks lead to major problems?

Yes, absolutely. A small crack is how water gets in. Water is the enemy. It freezes, expands, and turns that small crack into a big, expensive problem over time.

How much does masonry repair cost?

For small DIY tuck-pointing, you might spend $50-100. Hiring a pro for a small job might be $300-500. If you have major structural issues like a bowing wall, you could be looking at $5,000 or much, much more.

Can I fix this myself?

You can probably handle cleaning efflorescence or patching a few, small, non-structural mortar cracks if you're patient. But if the cracks are large, the wall is bulging, or you're replacing more than a few bricks, you need to call a professional. A bad DIY masonry job is very difficult and expensive to fix.

How can I tell if a crack is structural?

If a crack is horizontal, wider than a pencil, or if the wall is offset on either side of the crack, you should assume it's structural and call a pro immediately. Stair-step cracks can also indicate foundation movement, which is a structural issue.

Masonry Damage: This refers to various forms of deterioration or structural compromises in building elements constructed from materials like brick, stone, or concrete blocks. This can include issues with the mortar, the individual units (bricks, stones), or the structural integrity of the masonry assembly. Troubleshooting & Fixes (2024 Guide)

Quick Answer

Okay, so here's the quick version. If you've got cracks in your brick or your mortar is turning to sand, it's almost always water getting in where it shouldn't be. You can probably patch small mortar cracks yourself for under $150 with some good mortar mix, a decent trowel, and appropriate safety gear. I'll show you how. But if you see big, wide cracks (larger than 1/4 inch), extensive step-cracking, bowing walls, or water getting inside your house, don't mess around. That's a job for a qualified professional (structural engineer or experienced masonry contractor), and you're looking at anywhere from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to tens of thousands if the foundation or major structural elements are involved. Don't let a small annoyance turn into a disaster.

Masonry Damage: This refers to various forms of deterioration or structural compromises in building elements constructed from materials like brick, stone, or concrete blocks. This can include issues with the mortar, the individual units (bricks, stones), or the structural integrity of the masonry assembly. Troubleshooting & Fixes (2024 Guide) visual diagram — Visual guide for diagnosing key fob issues

Common Symptoms

Cracks in bricks, stone, or mortar joints

Crumbling or sandy mortar between bricks

Loose bricks or stones that you can wiggle by hand

A white, chalky powder appearing on the masonry surface (efflorescence)

Flaking or peeling on the face of the bricks (spalling)

Walls that are visibly bulging, bowing, or leaning

Water stains or dampness showing through to the inside of the house

Possible Causes

Water Intrusion: Rain, sprinklers, or melting snow seeping into masonry, especially when combined with freeze-thaw cycles that expand the water and break apart brick and mortar.

Foundation Settlement: The ground shifting or settling beneath the structure, causing stress cracks (often in a stair-step pattern) to appear in the walls above.

Improper Construction: Using the wrong type of mortar for the brick, missing wall ties, or having no flashing installed over windows and doors, leading to premature failure.

Age and Wear: The natural breakdown of mortar over many decades of exposure to the elements.

Root Growth: Large tree roots growing too close to the foundation, physically pushing and cracking the structure.

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

Step 1

Perform a careful visual inspection of the entire exterior, looking for cracks, stains, and crumbling mortar. Pay close attention to gutters and downspouts.

Step 2

Gently tap on bricks with a tool handle. A hollow sound can indicate that the brick veneer has separated from the wall.

Step 3

Carefully probe mortar joints with a screwdriver. If the mortar is soft and sandy, it needs to be replaced.

Step 4

Mark any cracks with a pencil and date to monitor them over a few months to see if they are actively growing.

Step 5

Check grading around the foundation to ensure water flows away from the house, not towards it.

Step 6

Take clear photos of all damage to document its severity and track changes over time.

DIY vs Professional Costs

Repair Type	DIY Cost	Professional Cost	Time Required
Minor Tuck-pointing (<10 sq ft)	$50 - $150	$300 - $700	4-8 hours
Replacing a handful of loose, non-structural bricks	$75 - $200	$500 - $900	3-6 hours
Major Wall Rebuild / Structural Repair	N/A	$7,500 - $50,000+	Days to weeks

Minor Tuck-pointing (<10 sq ft)

DIY$50 - $150

Pro$300 - $700

Time4-8 hours

Replacing a handful of loose, non-structural bricks

DIY$75 - $200

Pro$500 - $900

Time3-6 hours

Major Wall Rebuild / Structural Repair

DIYN/A

Pro$7,500 - $50,000+

TimeDays to weeks

When to Call a Professional Masonry

You find any horizontal cracks in the wall.
There are large cracks wider than 1/4 inch.
The masonry wall is visibly bulging, bowing, or leaning.
You see stair-step cracks that are getting progressively wider.
Water is leaking through the masonry and causing damage inside your home.
You're not confident you can properly diagnose the problem or perform the repair correctly.

Prevention Tips

Keep your gutters clean and ensure downspouts direct water at least 4-6 feet away from the foundation.
Make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the walls.
Promptly patch any small mortar cracks before they allow significant water penetration.
Avoid using de-icing salts on brick or stone walkways; use sand for traction instead.
Conduct a visual inspection of your masonry at least once a year to catch problems early.

Frequently Asked Questions

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