Thorough Brick Wall Examinations During Home Inspections

Examining Brick Walls During a Home Inspection

When buying a house in locations like Massachusetts, examining the condition of exterior brick walls should be a key part of any home inspection. Look for cracks, deteriorating mortar, missing or corroded wall ties, efflorescence, and bowing or leaning walls which could indicate serious structural issues.

Why Brick Wall Inspections Matter

Brick is an attractive, durable, and low maintenance building material often used on the exterior walls of homes across New England. However, brick walls require proper installation and periodic maintenance to remain structurally sound and prevent accelerated deterioration over time.

As a homeowner or prospective homebuyer, the condition of brick walls on a property matters for several reasons:

• Structural stability - deteriorating brick walls can collapse, especially in cold climates
• Moisture intrusion - cracks allow water to penetrate interior walls and cause rot or mold
• Safety hazards - sections of crumbling brick can fall and injure people nearby
• Aesthetic appeal - damaged brick detracts from curb appeal for resale

What to Look for During a Brick Wall Inspection

When examining brick walls, home inspectors check for signs of deterioration, damage, or structural issues. Specific areas they examine closely include:

• Mortar joints - Check for cracks wider than 1/4", missing sections, loose mortar, or mortar that crumbles easily
• Bricks - Look for cracked, spalling, or flaking bricks which indicate moisture damage
• Efflorescence - White powdery deposits on brick surfaces that hint at moisture problems
• Wall ties - Seek signs of corroded or failed ties which reduce structural stability
• Bowing or leaning - Measure walls for plumb to identify outward leaning or bulging

Causes of Brick Wall Damage

If a home inspection reveals brick wall deterioration, understanding what causes common brick problems can help homeowners diagnose issues to guide appropriate repairs:

• Settling or seismic activity placing stress on walls
• Freezing temperatures and moisture deterioration over time
• Inadequate or missing through-wall ties allowing walls to pull away
• Poor original workmanship during construction
• Growth of tree roots underneath walls over decades

Fixing Brick Wall Problems

What can homeowners do if their home inspection uncovers structural deficiencies or deterioration in brick walls? Typical remedies include:

• Repointing mortar joints with fresh mortar
• Installing additional through-wall ties to stabilize walls
• Selective brick replacement to fix small damaged sections
• Applying water repellent sealants to protect from moisture
• Partial or full wall reconstruction for extensively damaged areas

Be aware that the extent of brick repairs needed can become quite costly, reaching $10,000 or more for total wall reconstruction. Obtain contractor estimates before finalizing a home purchase to understand budgetary impacts for urgent fixes identified during the home inspection.

Hiring a Professional Home Inspector

Skilled home inspectors know exactly what potential problems to look for when examining the brick walls of a home. Rather than trying to decipher issues on your own, partner with an experienced local inspection company before finalizing a real estate transaction.

Look for home inspectors who:

• Possess all required licenses to operate in your state
• Carry liability insurance to protect you from errors
• Have brick masonry expertise from years of field experience
• Use digital reporting systems to document clearly identified issues
• Explain inspection findings to you in simple terms

By understanding the condition of brick walls on a property and budgeting properly for any repairs needed, homebuyers can make fully informed decisions and avoid devastating surprises later on. Protect your investment by making a professional home inspection a non-negotiable part of your real estate transaction.

FAQs

Why are loose or missing mortar joints problematic in brick walls?

Mortar bonds bricks together and seals the wall from moisture penetration. When it deteriorates over time, cracks appear that allow water intrusion which can cause further damage through freeze/thaw cycles. Loose bricks also become more likely to fall out.

What causes efflorescence on brick walls?

Efflorescence refers to the white powdery deposits that sometimes appear on brick surfaces. It is caused when water seeps through the wall, dissolves salts inside, and carries them to the exterior surface where the water evaporates leaving the salt deposits behind.

How much do brick wall repairs typically cost?

The cost to repair brick walls varies considerably based on factors like accessibility, type of repairs, quantity of bricks needing replacement, etc. Minor repointing may cost around $5 per sq. ft., while full wall rebuilding could exceed over $100 per sq. ft. Obtain contractor estimates for your specific project.

When should you be concerned about a brick wall leaning or bowing?

Even minor deviation from plumb could indicate structural instability and ongoing movement. Any measurable leaning, bowing, or bulging noticed in a brick wall should be assessed by a structural engineer to evaluate the underlying cause and determine appropriate stabilization solutions.