While stone houses tend to be sturdy and long-standing, there are many natural factors that can damage it. From erosion, frost heave to gradual deterioration, all these can lead to major issues if not addressed, which is why it is important to get a professional to repair the damage. Consequently, the most common stone masonry repairs involve reconstructing damaged areas such as walls, floors, chimneys, patios, walkways, etc. as well as addressing water damage.
Weak or damaged stone masonry such as these needs to be repaired immediately because it can cause significant damage to the overall structure. You may be tempted to do the repairs yourself to save costs, but this may only cost more in the long-run if it is done incorrectly. This is why contractors are a valuable resource for repairs because they will provide quality, long-lasting and impeccable results.
Stone Masonry Issues
There are many types of stone defects that can occur due to natural or external factors. Listed below are some of the damages you need to watch out for:
- Stone decay. This can happen in any area of the home. For example, stone chimneys can deteriorate due to added exposure, smoke and the effects of chemicals from gas and coal combustion. It can also be caused by moisture from leaks in gutters or pipes, which then saturate and weaken the area of the stone.
- Plant growth. Over time, moss and plants can lodge in and build up in the open creases and horizontal courses of the stone. It may not seem like a big deal, but when root growth occurs, this can cause severe damage to the stone.
- Rusting metal. In cases where metal cramps are combined with the stonework, it is important to monitor the rusting of the metal. This is because when metal rusts, it also expands, thereby causing the stone to break. To prevent this sort of problem, it would be best to replace it with rustproof metal.
- Vertical corner cracks in walls. While vertical cracks are not that serious and quite common, this can eventually prove troublesome and lead to high costs if left alone. During heavy rainfall, water can seep in the cracks, causing damage to the inner walls.
- Mortar deterioration. Mortar is normally the material used between the stones to hold them together. When this disintegrates, the stone will begin to loosen and rub against each other causing damage. A simple stone masonry repair can easily address this problem by replacing or reinforcing the mortar.
These are the main indicators that you need to look out for because they can cause severe damage to the foundation. While it may seem simpler to find a solution yourself, it is always better to let the professionals handle it because they can properly evaluate how serious the damage is. A quick fix will not always solve the problem, which is why it is important to contact a professional stone masonry contractor.
