Quick Answer
Okay, so here's the quick version. If your bricks or mortar are cracking and falling apart, it's usually from water and weather. For small cracks, missing mortar joints, or that white powdery stuff (efflorescence), you can often fix it yourself for under $100-$150 with some mortar mix, a trowel, and proper cleaning supplies. I've done it many times. But if you see significant 'stair-step' cracks, widely dislodged bricks, or if the wall is noticeably sagging, bowing, or leaning, don't attempt a DIY fix. Call a qualified structural engineer or masonry professional immediately. These indicate structural issues, and repairs can cost thousands, especially if ignored, potentially leading to much more severe problems and expenses down the line. Swift action is crucial.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Visual Walk-around. Get back from the house and look at the whole wall. Are the lines straight? Then get close and inspect for problem areas, especially under windows and near downspouts.
Step 2
Mortar Scrape Test. Use an old key or screwdriver to scrape a suspicious mortar joint. If it easily crumbles into sand, it has failed and needs to be replaced.
Step 3
The Tap Test. Lightly tap brick faces with the plastic handle of a screwdriver. A solid 'thud' is good. A hollow 'tock' or 'click' means the brick is loose or has separated from the wall.
Step 4
Crack Analysis. Identify the type of crack. Random hairline cracks are often cosmetic. Long, straight, or stair-step patterned cracks indicate structural movement and are a serious concern.
Step 5
Water Source Investigation. During a rain, watch how water behaves on the wall. Check gutters for overflow and ensure downspouts discharge far away from the foundation.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Minor Tuck-pointing | $50 - $150 (depending on material choice) | $400 - $800 (for small, localized areas) | 2-4 hours |
Cleaning Efflorescence | $20 - $75 | $300 - $700 | 1-2 hours |
Sealing a few small cracks | $15 - $50 | $250 - $500 | <1 hour |
Major Repointing (whole wall) | Not Recommended | $2,000 - $10,000+ (depending on wall size, access, and material) | 2-5 days |
When to Call a Professional Masonry
- When you find a crack that is wider than 1/4 inch or seems to be getting bigger over time.
- If any part of a masonry wall is visibly bowing, bulging outwards, or leaning.
- When efflorescence (the white powder) keeps returning quickly after you clean it, indicating a persistent moisture problem.
- If you have large areas of spalling (flaking) brick, not just one or two isolated ones.
- When you can see water actively leaking through the masonry and causing dampness or stains on your interior walls.
- Anytime the problem involves a load-bearing wall, a chimney, or a foundation wall. Don't take chances with these.
Prevention Tips
- Clean your gutters and extend your downspouts. This is the most important thing you can do to protect your masonry.
- Inspect your mortar joints twice a year (spring and fall) and fix small cracks before they become big water-entry points.
- Keep shrubs and vines trimmed away from your brick walls to allow for air circulation and prevent root damage.
- Avoid high-pressure power washing, which can damage the brick face and mortar. Use a soft brush and an appropriate cleaner instead.
- Ensure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling against the walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
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