Cracked Bricks

Ohio Basement Systems and The Basement Guys are now Ohio Basement Authority

Damaged bricks pose a cosmetic issue and indicate a serious problem with your home’s foundation. At Ohio Basement Systems, we realize that foundation issues can be concerning for homeowners in our region. As fellow homeowners, we are committed to providing prompt, efficient, and personalized solutions for foundation repairs.

You can rely on OBS to rapidly repair your cracked bricks.

What are Cracked Bricks?

Cracks in a home’s exterior brick usually appear in a stair-step pattern along the mortar lines between bricks. These cracks can vary in size, from small hairline fractures to more significant gaps or crumbling mortar. These cracks are not just a cosmetic concern; they may indicate that your home is experiencing foundation problems.

What Causes Brick Cracks?

Cracking bricks is a common issue when a home’s foundation undergoes strain. This can happen when the foundation settles or shifts, causing stress on the exterior brick walls and resulting in cracks.

Three primary factors contribute to cracked brick walls:

Foundation Settlement – The ground beneath the foundation sinks or settles, causing uneven strain on the brick walls. This often happens when there are problematic soils like expansive clay.
Tree Roots – Tree roots that grow underneath the foundation can dislodge bricks and mortar by expanding the soil and wedging into weak points.
Soil Issues – The soil underneath the home can shift as moisture levels change, causing uneven soil movement that strains the stability of foundations and brick walls.

Rest assured that addressing these factors can prevent further damage and ensure the safety and stability of your home.

Can You Fix Cracked Bricks?

At Ohio Basement Systems, we have over 25 years of experience in repairing cracked bricks. However, it’s important to note that re-grouting the mortar lines will not resolve the issue. We address the root causes of the cracks to ensure a long-term solution for foundation repair.

Although big box stores offer temporary crack fillers and mortar repair kits, they do not address the underlying foundation issue. Without proper attention, the cracks will continue to spread.

We strongly recommend against DIY repairs on your home’s structure, which can lead to unintended consequences. Trust the experts at OBS to get the job done right and ensure your peace of mind.

How to Fix Cracked Bricks

At OBS, we offer custom-engineered solutions like helical piers and push piers that can be tailored to your specific needs. Our piers are installed underneath the foundation and screwed into the ground until they reach bedrock, effectively stabilizing and lifting settling foundations.

In addition to our foundation piers, we provide solutions that address the root causes of foundation damage, including:

Wall Anchors: Our steel anchors are securely embedded in foundation walls and bolted into solid soil outside, counteracting inward bowing and cracking.
Carbon Fiber Wall Reinforcement: We use carbon fiber straps bonded to bowing basement walls with high-quality epoxy, providing exceptional tensile strength that stabilizes brick walls with ease.

Why Address Brick Cracks Now?

Neglecting small cracks in your brick may seem like a minor issue, but it could eventually lead to more significant and costlier problems. Addressing the issue at its onset is crucial for the following reasons:

To Avoid Costly Damage: Promptly repairing foundation issues can save you money on future repairs.
To Prevent Moisture Damage: Cracks allow water to seep into your basement or crawl space, which can result in mold growth and wood rot.
To Improve Home Value: Cracked and deteriorating brick walls can make your home less appealing to prospective buyers. Structural repairs can enhance your property’s value.

Contact Ohio Basement Systems for Cracked Brick Repairs

If you notice any cracked bricks on the exterior walls of your home, don’t worry. Ohio Basement Systems can help.

Contact us today to schedule a free inspection. We will diagnose the underlying causes and provide you with a same-day repair estimate. Our skilled technicians will work with you to find effective solutions to repair foundation damage and permanently stabilize your brick walls.

Contact Ohio Basement Systems for the best foundation repair service.

FAQs

Why do I have horizontal brick cracks?

If you notice horizontal cracks on a wall, it may indicate bowing, which can be attributed to high soil pressure and/or foundation settling. This suggests structural instability and requires foundation repairs.

Where are the best locations to inspect for brick cracks?

Routinely inspect vital parts of a building’s structure, including chimneys, brick, and basement walls, for small cracks that could lead to more significant issues. Address problems right away and continue to monitor the building’s safety and stability over time.

What if re-grouting cracked bricks doesn’t work?

Re-grouting the mortar lines won’t prevent further cracking. You need to first resolve the underlying foundation issues. Once that’s done, proceed with re-grouting the bricks.