Greetings, dear homeowners and potential buyers! Today's topic is a prevalent and often misunderstood issue in homes: cracks in brick veneer over wood framing, particularly in houses without installed expansion joints and with corroded steel lintels over doors and windows.
Understanding Brick Veneer and Its Components
Brick veneer is a non-structural layer of brick used on the exterior of a house for its aesthetic appeal and insulation properties. The actual structural integrity comes from the underlying wood framing and integral components like steel lintels, which provide support over doors and windows.
Why Does Brick Veneer Crack?
Brick veneer can crack due to a variety of factors, but the most common cause is the differential expansion and contraction between wood and brick. Wood tends to react more significantly to changes in temperature and moisture, and without expansion joints to buffer this movement, the resulting stress can lead to cracks in the brick veneer. Unfortunately, the lack of expansion joints is extremely common for the area.
Corroded steel lintels can also contribute to cracking. As these lintels corrode due to moisture, salt, and air pollution, they expand, creating additional pressure on the surrounding brickwork and leading to cracks. We'll talk more about this in the coming weeks!
Typical Cracks in Brick Veneer
- Vertical Cracks: These commonly occur at the corners of windows and doors due to the increased stress at these weaker structural points.
- Step Cracks: These follow the mortar joints in a stair-step pattern. While they can be a sign of foundation settlement, they can also result from thermal expansion or pressure from corroded lintels.
Uncommon Cracks in Brick Veneer
While the above-mentioned cracks are relatively typical, some cracks are less common and may point to more serious structural issues. For instance:
- Horizontal Cracks: These are less common and usually more concerning. They often indicate severe pressure or a shift in the home's foundation, requiring immediate professional attention.
- Widespread Random Cracks: If cracks appear randomly throughout the brick veneer rather than concentrated around windows, doors, or at corners, it may indicate issues with the quality of the bricks or mortar, or significant foundation troubles.
Addressing Cracks in Brick Veneer
Noticing cracks in your brick veneer may be unsettling, but it's crucial to respond promptly and effectively:
- Professional Inspection: If you notice any cracks, especially uncommon ones, call in a professional home inspector. They can assess the situation and determine the cause and severity of the problem.
- Repairing the Cracks: Minor cracks can be filled with color-matching mortar or sealant. However, larger cracks, especially those that suggest possible foundation issues, may require more extensive repairs.
- Lintel Treatment or Replacement: If corrosion is causing your lintels to expand and crack the brick veneer, it might be necessary to treat or replace the lintels.
- Installing Expansion Joints: While this won't repair existing cracks, it can help prevent future ones by allowing the brick and wood to expand and contract without causing damage.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspecting your home and addressing minor issues promptly can prevent larger problems down the line.
The key to maintaining the health and aesthetics of your brick veneer is vigilance and timely action. If you're uncertain about the seriousness of a crack, always consult with a professional. We're here to help, so don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns about your home!