FT NEWS

A damaged brick masonry wall not only looks ugly but chances are high that a bigger problem is hiding behind it. Factors like dampness, bad workmanship, faulty construction and so on are some of the prime reasons that cause damage to brick walls. Find out how to recognise them and what solutions are at hand.

1. Damage: Damp patches on the wall
Cause: Dampness causes a lot of damage to brick masonry walls because of the presence of excess moisture that cannot escape. It results in damp patches on the interior or exterior walls

Active water seepage from a leaky pipe of the kitchen or bathroom may be a major source of dampness on the brick wall.

Also, during the rains, moisture tends to permeate through the joints and the pores of the brickwork, resulting in dampness in the walls.

In case of faulty construction, the mortar binding the brick wall may develop small cracks and allow moisture to pass through.

Solution: It is important to identify the source of dampness. A leaky pipe should be immediately repaired. Re-grout the tile joints of the bathroom or kitchen tiles if water seepage is coming from such areas.

Damp patches on the internal walls should be rectified by removing all the loose plaster and re-plastering the wall with cement mortar that is mixed with waterproof compounds.

2. Damage: Cracks in the wall
Cause: Cracks can develop in the walls for several reasons.

If the mortar is not mixed in the correct proportions during the construction of a brick wall, or not cured properly, cracks may develop. Curing is the process of keeping cement hydrated by wetting so that it sets well.

If the building is located on a busy road, the movement of heavy vehicles may result in vibrations which result in wall cracks on the building.

All building materials have a specific lifespan. These materials tend to degrade and crack over a period of time.

Solution: It is essential to go for periodic maintenance by repainting the walls after every three to five years, depending on condition of the walls. In case of any cracks, the surface should be repaired and re-plastered with cement or gypsum plaster. After this, the walls should be finished with a coat of primer and at least two coats of acrylic emulsion paint.

3. Damage: Cracks around wooden door and window frames
Cause: Wood has the tendency to shrink during the summers and swell during the monsoon season. The periodic contraction and expansion of wood exerts pressure on the walls and results in cracks in the wall around the door and window frames.

Solution: Only use seasoned wood for the fabrication of the doors and windows frames or consider materials such as aluminium or uPVC for the doors and windows.

Wooden door frames should be fixed and aligned properly with the brickwork.

4. Damage: Loose plaster
Cause: Plaster flakes off in patches, exposing the bricks underneath. This looks ugly and makes the wall vulnerable to further damage from the weather and environmental conditions.

Loose plaster is caused by a loss of adhesion between the brick wall and the plaster. This can be checked by tapping the wall – a hollow sound indicates loose plaster.

Solution: First the loose plaster will have to be removed from the brick wall and then the surface will have to be re-plastered. Note that the plaster should be cured properly followed by POP punning and finished with coats of primer and paint.

5. Damage: Efflorescence
Cause: Efflorescence is the appearance of a white powdery deposit on the brickwork. This happens when moisture penetrates into the brickwork and dissolves the mineral salts in the cement mortar and then seeps out. The water evaporates, leaving behind a white powdery deposit of crystalline salts.

Solution: Sponge the wall with clean water or scrape the deposits with a soft brush. Alternatively, wet-sponge the affected surface with a mild solution of white vinegar and water.

6: Damage: Staining
Cause: Staining and spotting is primarily caused by the growth of mould and mildew, which may form greenish-grey spots on the walls.

Also, external sources such as pollution can result in staining. How? The atmospheric carbon dioxide reacts with calcium carbonate in the cement mortar and moisture to create stains on the walls.

Solution: Make a solution of one part chlorine bleach with three parts of water and rub it on the stain created by mould or mildew. Damp-wipe the surface, followed by a dry wipe.

Other stains can be removed by wiping the affected area with a mild soapy solution.

7: Damage: Deep cracks by tree roots
Cause: The roots of trees may enter into the brick wall and exert a lot of pressure on the wall, which may result in deep wall cracks.

Solution: Plant only shrubs, bushes or potted plants near the external walls and the boundary wall of the building.

In the case of an existing tree, remove all the visible roots that are in or near the wall and treat the wall with a herbicide to destroy the roots completely.