Brick
foundation and wall problems:
This
article explains how to recognize, diagnose, & repair brick foundation
& brick wall defects & failures such as cracks, spalling, movement,
bulging, leaks, damage due to impact, settlement, frost or water damage, and
other problems.
We
describe types of brick foundation or wall cracks, crack patterns, differences
in the meaning of cracks in different brick wall types (veneer vs. structural
or solid brick walls), and where there is brick wall damage, the role of site
conditions, building history, and other causes of building movement and damage.
We
discuss the following: Examples & list of structural & other failures
in brick walls & foundations. Damage caused to brick structures due to
thermal expansion of long brick walls lacking expansion joints. Damage to brick
veneer walls - cracks, bulges, loose brick.
A
catalog of types of brick foundation and brick wall damage and defects. Types
of foundation damage organized by foundation materials. Photographs of brick
wall damage patterns and types.
This
information helps in recognizing foundation defects and to help the building
owner or inspector separate cosmetic or low-risk conditions from those likely
to be important and potentially costly to repair.