Masonry Repair Cincinnati

Are you one of the many homeowners who has noticed that your home or hardscape is need of masonry repair in the Cincinnati or Northern KY areas?

Unfortunately, deterioration to masonry is all too common to both new and old structures alike. Structural settlement, age, and moisture damage can all contribute to the need for masonry repair. Masonry, especially brick, is extremely porous in nature allowing for moisture to penetrate resulting in damage. The “freeze thaw cycle” that occours when this moisture freezes inside the structure during the winter months is especially detrimental. When water freezes it expands. This causes any rigid material adjacent to the ice to incur an added stress load inducing cracking and spalling of the units and mortar joints, thus necessitating the need for masonry repair.

You may have also seen masonry repair taking place here in the Cincinnati or Northern KY areas as a result of foundation “settlement.” The settling of foundations can take place due to anything from poor drainage to plasticity of clay soil. Plasticity in terms of clay soil is its inherent propensity to swell when wet and shrink when dry. Maintaining a consistent moisture level in the surrounding soil grade is ideal, but often difficult, especially during periods of extreme drought. The number one reason for structural settlement inducing the need for masonry repair is improper soil preparation during initial construction. Often times when the building site is prepared, the soil is not compacted back to its original density before the foundation is poured. After a period of time the soil will compact naturally working the foundation down with it.

Obviously, common sense tells us that the older a building is the more likely the need for maintenance will be. This is particularly true in regards to masonry repair. Historic lime mortars are much softer in nature than the portland cement mortars. Over time these mortars can erode away and need to be repointed. Antique common style bricks are often referred to as “orange sponges” by industry professionals. They are particularly soft and porous and often severely “spall” and crumble over time.

Perhaps you have been the unlucky victim of an act of god or accidental damage to your home or hardscape? No matter the reason or need for your masonry repair in the Cincinnati, Northern KY or South East Indiana areas, Hearthside Chimney & Masonry can help! We are masonry experts offering all facets of Brick, Block & Stone construction & restoration services. We are A+ BBB rated with over 30 + yrs of experience and have ample references in the Greater Cincinnati area. We invite you to take a look at a few examples of our extensive portfolio in regards to masonry repair online @ www.hearthsidegreatercincy.com. Contact us today for a free estimate!