Don’t worry – we will walk you through the best process for fixing a crack in your client’s brick building.
When assessing brick foundations, it’s crucial to recognize that while they offer both durability and aesthetic appeal, cracks in brick walls should not be overlooked as cosmetic issues and ignored.
Structural experts will agree, cracks in brick walls or foundations are often a sign of underlying structural problems that require immediate attention and repair. The good news is – Intech has just the right product for your project.
First and foremost – you’ll need to assess the type, length and width of the crack in the brick. If your bricks are connected to your structure’s foundation – you may need a stronger solution.
Next – decide which crack repair solution is best for your structure.
Finally – connect with your product specialist at Intech for a seamless installation.
The primary cause of cracks in brick foundations is foundation settlement or shifting. This typically occurs when a building rests on uneven soil, which results in differential movement across the foundation, leading to cracks and other damage.
Structural cracks typically result from foundation movement or load-bearing issues and may affect the stability of the wall. Non-structural cracks are often cosmetic and may be caused by settling or weathering. A professional inspection or assessment can help differentiate between the two.
Look for the following tell-tale signs of foundation distress:
Diagonal “Stair-Step” Cracks: These cracks, often found running along the mortar joints, typically indicate that the foundation is settling unevenly. Such cracks should be carefully monitored to assess the extent of settlement.
Crumbling Mortar: When the mortar between bricks begins to degrade and crumble, it’s a strong indication of foundation movement, possibly due to soil pressure changes beneath the foundation.
Chimney Separation: If there’s noticeable separation between the chimney and the rest of the structure, it is a critical sign of foundation instability. The chimney may have experienced differential settlement that requires immediate stabilization.
For non-structural cracks, a flexible sealant like urethane may be suitable, as it can prevent water infiltration while allowing for some movement. For structural cracks, epoxy is recommended for its strength and ability to bond the brick and mortar securely.
Preventative measures include improving drainage around the foundation, stabilizing the soil, reinforcing the structure, and maintaining proper moisture levels. Regular inspections and repairs of any initial cracks are also essential in preventing further damage.
Our experts have seen a crack or two hundred. We provide the leading solution in the structural engineering field that supports your brick wall reinforcement strategy.
Rely on our robust and effective solutions for stabilizing brick foundations that will stand the test of time. Our repair techniques include:
Helical Piers: These are ideal for foundations that are sinking into soft or unstable soils. By transferring the building’s load to deeper, more stable soil layers, helical piers can reverse the settlement and restore structural integrity.
Helical Anchors: For situations where minimal excavation is desired, helical anchors provide an effective solution. These anchors are installed by “threading” them into the soil beneath the foundation, offering significant support without major disruption.
By using these advanced foundation repair systems, you can effectively stabilize and secure the foundation, halting further damage and restoring the building’s integrity.
You can use helical anchors to stabilize cracked brick foundations by installing them into the ground beneath the foundation. These anchors transfer weight to stable soil layers, providing support and preventing further shifting or cracking.
The helical design allows for quick installation with minimal disruption, ensuring long-term stability for your foundation.
When cracks appear in a brick foundation, it’s essential to address the underlying structural issues rather than simply patching over the symptoms. Our team of professionals specializes in permanent brick foundation repair products that not only fix the cracks but also prevent future failure.
If you’re dealing with cracks in your clients’ brick foundation, contact us for an introductory consultation and to discuss how we can help restore stability and value to your structure.
Tim is the President of Intech Anchoring and has 25 years of experience in the Civil Engineering and Geostructural Industry. Tim has developed extensive industry knowledge by working to support the needs of specialty contractors at each and every business level. Tim’s diverse industry background has given him exposure to a wide variety civil construction projects, ranging from the simplest residential applications to the most complex commercial and industrial projects. Coupled with a highly skilled and educated team, Tim focuses on providing the highest quality products and solutions to Intech Anchoring’s customers in order to consistently exceed expectations.