Brick walls consist of both brick and mortar, with the mortar being the concrete-like joint material that holds the bricks together. Over time, mortar damage can occur, which will require repair. 

Mortar Issues

Crumbling mortar is more than an eyesore. Damage will be small at first, such as a bit of crumbling here and a crack or two there. Eventually, as the water gets into these small damages, the crumbling and cracking will become worse and the mortar will begin to come out in chunks. 

Mortar damage doesn't necessarily cause damage to the individual bricks directly, but indirect damage is common. Missing mortar leads to loose bricks, which can shift and become cracked from uneven pressure on their surfaces. The bricks may also come out and fall to the ground. These damages are minor, though, when compared to the loss of structural integrity caused by the broken mortar and loose bricks. 

Common Causes

Damage to the mortar can be a result of age, as mortar doesn't have the longevity of the bricks it's holding in place so it will naturally require periodic repairs. Natural erosion can speed up the aging process. Wind that blasts walls with sand and other debris will wear away mortar, as will exposure to moisture from rain and snow. 

Some issues that speed up mortar damage can be avoided, though. Screws and anchors inserted into mortar will speed up the natural aging process of the mortar, especially if moisture gets into the holes. Vines growing up a brick wall and anchoring into the mortar can also be a problem, which can be avoided by keeping the wall clear of vines and plants.

Repair Option

Fortunately, it's possible to repair damaged mortar without having to rebuild the brick wall. Your contractor can tuckpoint the wall. The process begins with choosing the color of mortar you would like, which does afford you the opportunity to give your home a slightly new look. Darker mortars can be quite striking, for example, and they won't show stains or dirt as easily as lighter colors.

Once you settle on a mortar, the next step is scraping out the crumbling, damaged mortar. Then each junction is carefully cleaned before new mortar is pushed into place. Your contractor will work slowly in sections so that the structural integrity of the wall won't be compromised as the mortar repairs are made. 

Contact a company like Vargas Masonry and Roofing LLC to learn more.