I usually write my articles around building interest in repairing the foundation. But after meeting one of my leading competitors in the brick repair industry, I think I have changed my mind about what is best for your home.
The first thing you should know is that our soil in Texas is constantly expanding or shrinking. This is determined by how wet or dry the ground is usually, and this is where the story begins.
Bedrick
Most foundation repair companies are proud that they are building a pier under your house that sits in Bedrick. But what is happening is that every wharf is being suppressed to denial. Therefore, even after the expensive repairs of the foundation, your house is a constant source of concern and yes, even the cracks in the bricks and mortar.
Many companies specializing in brick repair, or masonry crack repair, can fix the foundation’s movement. But can they offer a solution to the costly ways of repairing the foundation? Can’t do all this. But there are a few. In the last few years, new practices of repairing masonry have emerged. Change with them how some companies reach your masonry cracks and cracked masonry bricks.
For example: Did you know that according to FHA standard methods, a foundation is allowed to show negative movement up to one inch in twenty feet? This means that most DFW homes with a settlement are within the tolerable allowance set by the FHA. When other options are available, why would anyone spend the money needed to repair a foundation?
One such option is to cut a control joint or expansion joint at a distance of about ten feet along the brick walls, showing signs of significant mat problems. This will allow some movement during the transfer of the brick crack to the control joint instead of cracking the mortar.
Another new idea now being offered by a company is to install an underground irrigation system around the house, which is usually about one-third of the cost of foundation crack repairs. This new system can operate year-round and retain soil moisture around most foundations.
Here’s how it works:
Humidity measuring devices are placed around the house or structure that send a signal to a timer that controls the switches that control water flow in the groundwater system. Sounds easy, and it is. But by installing these types of systems and following some simple maintenance methods, you can save your foundation, bricks, and the rest of the structure for very little money.
Brick masonry and mortar cracks can be repaired to their original shape, and your home will stand the test of time.
These are my two cents. I hope this helps, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Travis Knecht is a custom brick mortar matching specialist. Whose experience has taken him to some very famous buildings? His knowledge of custom mortar for brick masonry cracks has been used to restore a row of historic buildings.
