When should I be worried about cracks in brick mortar?

Aside from their classic and pleasing appearance, bricks are often renowned for their durability. When they are properly cared for, structures that are made of bricks can easily last for a long time. However, like most material things in the world, it is not uncommon for bricks to break or crack as time passes. Even the strongest structures can fall, as with those that are brick-laden.


As an owner of a building made with brick mortar, you may notice some issues with your structure. As many years pass, you can see some cracks forming on your walls and even some pieces of mortar on your fall. If you see these signs, are they a valid reason for you to worry? Or is it just a small problem that will not need any solution?



To help you determine if the cracks on your brick are serious, we have compiled some information to help you keep your mind at ease. Depending on the case, you may need to do something to keep your brick in shape and to avoid further problems that can result in unwanted accidents or damage to your property.

When is it time to worry about cracks appearing on your brick?

Cracks appearing in brick structures are actually expected when it has been several years since the mortar was placed. Although cracks can be treated as a visual problem that can be an eyesore, having them on your brick can mean that it may need some maintenance especially if it was not taken care of properly. In some cases, cracks can symbolize damage that is extreme and will need to be replaced or taken down before an unfortunate event can happen.

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A crack is serious if: 


1 There are some dust or mortar pieces on your floor


When you have a crack in your brick wall, you can see some dust and even small parts of the mortar that has fallen on your floor. If you notice that you are sweeping pieces of your mortar, this can be a very dangerous sign that your brick is losing its integrity and may even fall soon. This can cause an unfortunate accident and you would not want that to happen to your building. 


2. It is causing your wall to bend, tilt, and droop


When a brick mortar has grown weak over time due to various reasons such as moisture, it will eventually change its shape. Depending on how extreme the case is, it can be hard to notice as the change does not happen overnight. Look around the cracks on your brick and thoroughly inspect your building to see if there is any sagging occurring on your structure that can be a sign of a serious problem.


3. It is making your door or window difficult to close


One of the signs that the cracks on your brick mortar are severe is if it has caused your wall to sag or droop to the point that it is difficult for you to close doors or windows that you can easily close and open before with no problems. When this happens, it will eventually come to the point where it would be impossible for you to entirely close your doors if you do not do anything to remedy the problem.


4. There is water or moisture seeping through


Cracks on your brick mortar will gradually grow bigger and bigger to the point where it will be possible for moisture and even other debris to enter your home or commercial building. This is extremely serious as when heavy rains or storms come, the water can enter your home and damage your other belongings and property. If this is the case, the damage in your building has more than likely become so severe and will need immediate solutions as soon as possible.

When you see one or more of these signs present in your building, it is an extremely urgent matter to have your building looked at and inspected by a professional. Always remember that it is your responsibility to keep your building safe and secure for you and your family to live in.

What are the types of cracks that can appear on my bricks?

If you observe the cracks that appear on your brick, you will notice that they do not look the same and are different one way or another. Some may be deeper and can differ in shape. Cracks are usually vertical, horizontal, or may look like stairs.


Cracks that look like stairs are common in brick structures and are mainly attributed to moisture exposure.


Cracks that look like vertical lines are considered less serious and can happen mainly to brick and concrete structures, while, horizontal cracks are considered a very serious threat and will need the immediate attention of a contractor for repair. This type of crack can make the walls bend which will be detrimental to your building’s foundation and cause it to collapse. Horizontal cracks can also combine with the less serious cracks that will also result in a more dangerous situation for your property.

What should I do if there are cracks on my brick mortar?

If you see any cracks on your brick mortar, even if it is still small, it would not cost much to have a professional and experienced contractor to have an inspection done on your property. As always, it is always ideal to prevent bigger problems to happen and you can do this by taking care of the smaller problems at hand. 


When it comes to your safety and for the sake of your property, you should never attempt DIYs on projects that require an expert. Saving money is not important when it is your security that is on the line.



Ask around your area and see if there are any trusted and reliable contractors that are known to do quality work and provide good service at a reasonable rate. There are many skilled workers that offer free price quotations so that you can decide if they would be the best fit to assess your home.

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