You may have noticed cracks in the brick wall surrounding your windows and doors, and you may have also wondered: what does that mean? Is it a problem? When determining the severity of a crack, location is just as important as size. When you see multiple cracks repeatedly appearing above, below, or beside windows and doors, something beyond ordinary wear may be going on beneath the surface.
Because windows and doors interrupt the continuous structure of a masonry wall, these are critical areas to keep an eye on as a homeowner. Pay close attention in particular to the direction of the crack, the condition of the surrounding mortar, how much moisture exposure the area gets, and the state of the support above the opening.
Take your concerns to an experienced local masonry contractor in Metro Detroit so they can dig deeper.
Why Do Cracks Often Appear Near Windows and Doors?
Brick walls have a big job to do: not only do they have to accommodate openings for windows and doors, they also have to support the masonry above them.
There are many factors that can cause cracks in these vulnerable areas, such as:
- Movement or settling in the structure
- Deterioration of mortar joints
- Moisture infiltration
- Freeze-thaw cycles
- Problems with the support above the opening
- Expansion and contraction of masonry materials
The crack itself doesn’t always reveal the root cause, which is why it’s important to evaluate the surrounding masonry before determining what type of brick repair in Michigan would be appropriate.
Could the Lintel Be the Problem?
The lintel is what sits above many masonry windows and doors. This vital structural component supports the brick over the opening. Constant exposure to moisture can cause the lintel to corrode.
As steel corrodes, it expands and puts pressure on the surrounding masonry. So if you have noticed cracks in the mortar joints, displaced bricks, or other changes near the top corners of a window or door, it’s a good idea to call a mason in Michigan to check it out.
The Crack Pattern Tells a Story
Not every masonry crack is created equal. Its shape and location can offer clues as to cause during an inspection.
For example:
- Stair-step cracks follow mortar joints in a stepped pattern and could cause movement in the masonry.
- Cracks that extend from window or door corners often mean that the opening is stressed.
- Horizontal cracks above an opening deserve a closer look of the lintel and surrounding masonry.
- Gaps between brick and a window or door frame are a result of movement or deterioration in the surrounding materials.
- Recurring cracks that return again and again after being patched suggest the root cause has not been solved.
Look Beyond the Crack
If you see cracks, take a step back and look at the big picture. You may see other clues around windows and doors, such as:
- Stains from rust
- Crumbling or missing mortar
- Loose or shifting bricks
- Gaps around frames
- Damaged caulking
- Water stains
- Flaking or deteriorating brick
Freeze-thaw cycles can take a toll on brickwork. As water enters small cracks, it can freeze, expand, and deteriorate over time.
Why Isn’t Filling the Crack Always Enough?
You may assume treating the visible crack will fix the whole problem. However, this usually only addresses the cosmetic damage, and the root cause may still be growing behind the scenes.
For example, a crack associated with lintel corrosion will likely return if the lintel itself isn’t inspected and corrected. Likewise, repointing mortar will not necessarily close a water entry point elsewhere around a window.
Contact Mortar City Masonry
Even though every small crack isn’t an emergency, don’t just ignore them. Call our Michigan masons to inspect damaged masonry around windows and doors, and recommend an appropriate repair. Call Mortar City Masonry today at (586) 533-1305 to schedule an evaluation.
