The Main Problems in Masonry Construction in El Paso, TX
The most common problem in masonry construction is water, which wears down the bricks and other materials that hold them together. Water expands and contracts at different temperatures, making masonry work susceptible to damage. Properly installed masonry is durable and will last many years, even in harsh climates. But if the masonry is not installed correctly, it is susceptible to cracking, deterioration, and water damage.
Other masonry problems include shrinkage and unevenness of soil around a building. Poorly compacted soil can cause the bricks to move around and lose their strength, causing cracking. Poorly prepared mortar also leads to cracking, especially in joints. Natural disasters can also exert pressure on masonry walls and foundations. Another major problem in masonry construction is staining, particularly on exterior walls. Masonry staining is caused by the contact of the masonry material and mortar with the weather. Staining is a typical result of water seepage and aging walls.
Concrete and masonry have similar strength properties, but masonry is more robust in compression because of the lack of strength in tension. Buildings with masonry walls often collapse during quakes. However, there are certain things that you can do to minimize the impact of earthquakes on your masonry walls. If you are considering building a home, you must first learn more about earthquakes and how to avoid them. Hopefully, this article will help you choose a construction type.
Water damage is the most common masonry problem. Water seeps through masonry and creates a dark stain. This stain looks wet and can also indicate structural water damage. Symptoms of structural water damage include poor anchors, freezing weather, and masonry deterioration. In addition to staining, efflorescence can be caused by improperly mixed concrete. This typically occurs during the curing process of concrete.
Another problem in masonry construction is the presence of the wrong contractor. Even if a construction company has received a good education, it may still use subpar quality. While this might not be a severe problem, it can lead to many additional problems that are unnoticeable. In addition, the problem may extend to other parts of the building, resulting in damage and uninhabitable conditions.
Common problems during masonry construction include a lack of proper mix proportions, insufficient mortar and grout, improper reinforcement, unauthorized admixtures, freeze and thaw cycles, aesthetic failures, and sulfate attack. However, it is essential to ensure proper support of the masonry structure by correctly placing control joints. If you are unsure of the appropriate placement of control joints, read up on masonry and concrete reinforcing.
Poorly applied mortar is another major problem. Insufficient amounts of binder materials in mortar can lead to incorrect mix proportions. Mortar should be mixed with proper proportions in the factory to avoid such errors. An overabundance of air can compromise the strength and bond of the mortar. Therefore, it is vital to measure each constituent accurately. Incorrectly mixed mortar has disastrous consequences for the construction project.