A brick that crumbles or whose face bursts and flakes off (a phenomenon called spalling) has usually absorbed water that, on freezing, burst its surface from the inside. The brick then loses pieces and its integrity.
Common causes
water trapped in a porous brick subject to freeze-thaw; failing mortar joints that let water in; poor drainage or a deficient cap that saturates the top of the wall; bricks unsuited to the climate (low frost resistance); or overly aggressive abrasive or pressure cleaning that opened up the surface.
Signs to watch for
brick faces flaking or bursting off, hollowed or crumbly bricks, red powder at the base of the wall, efflorescence, damaged joints nearby, degradation concentrated near the ground or under window sills.
Why you should not ignore it
spalling exposes the porous interior of the brick, which then absorbs even more water and degrades faster, a vicious circle. On a larger scale, deterioration of the cladding compromises the wall watertightness and leads to costly masonry repairs. It is a problem that worsens with every winter as long as the water supply is not controlled.
What a professional assessment reveals
Bricks that burst have usually absorbed water that freezes and blows them apart from within. An assessment gauges the extent, identifies the causes (moisture, joints, drainage) and the risk of spread, a useful read from a pre-purchase inspection.
Vous soupconnez ce probleme dans un batiment ?
Une inspection le confirme, le documente et le chiffre, pour decider en connaissance de cause.
Inspection preachat Bilan de sante du batiment (BCA) Demander une soumission
