Brick & Masonry Problems
What are the Signs of Brick & Masonry Damage
Brick and masonry problems, such as cracking and flaking, can be present in homes and buildings. Not only do they decrease your home’s curb appeal, but they could also be a warning sign of a much larger problem. Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services can help you with brick and masonry repair.
It is important to look for the following warning signs:
- Step cracks caused by settling walls.
- Vertical corner cracks caused by soil shrinkage due to drought-like conditions around and beneath your foundation.
- Bulging brick or masonry walls caused by corrosion due to heavy rains draining down the sides of the wall.
- Compacted bricks on top of each other due to settling or sinking foundations.
- Efflorescence as a result of too much moisture in the masonry which leaves a white, staining salt deposit left by water. This is an indicator that there is too much moisture in the masonry which may lead to major problems.
- Steel lintel deflection can crack the stiff masonry.
- Mortar deterioration due to excessive moisture. To prevent further damage, the flow of water needs to be directed away from the brick.
Understanding the Causes of Brick & Masonry Issues
The answer to most brick and masonry problems is foundation settlement which can be caused by the following:
- Soil shrinkage: Soil shrinkage is caused by drought-like conditions. Because the soil is dry, it shrinks and pulls away from the foundation. This weakens the soil, making the soil unstable and weak.
- Poorly compacted soil: Poorly compacted soil can cause the structure’s weight to compress down on the soil. This causes stress on brick and masonry.
- Freeze and thaw cycles: Heaving can occur under bricks which can lead to cracking over time. Since cracks follow the path of least resistance, it would be the mortar material between the bricks.
Inspect your home for other signs of settlement such as misaligned windows and doors, sticking doors and windows, crumbling foundations and floor cracks. You might notice issues with the sheetrock inside your home. If you see any of these signs including brick and masonry issues, then give us a call today. The problem won’t go away on its own. Let the professionals at Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services handle all of your settlement issues in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Brick & Masonry Repair Solutions
Drainage & Moisture Management
Water is one of the leading causes of brick and masonry deterioration. Proper drainage helps prevent cracking, flaking, and long-term structural damage. Keeping water away from your foundation protects brick, mortar, and masonry surfaces from moisture-related failure.
- Downspout extensions
- Gutter maintenance
- Surface drainage improvements
- Waterproofing upgrades
Professional Masonry Inspection & Assessment
Visible cracking, flaking, or mortar deterioration may be early signs of foundation settlement. Matthews Wall Anchor provides expert evaluation to identify whether the issue is cosmetic or structural. Accurate diagnosis ensures the correct structural solution is applied. Our team checks for:
- Cracked or shifting brick
- Mortar flaking or decay
- Moisture staining or efflorescence
- Bowing or bulging masonry, foundation movement beneath masonry walls
Steel Pier Underpinning for Settlement-Related Damage
When brick or masonry problems are caused by foundation settlement, Matthews installs ECP steel piers—a proven, engineered underpinning solution used for more than 50 years. Steel piers stop further settlement and protect your masonry long-term. Benefits of steel piers:
- Permanently stabilizes the foundation
- Transfers the load immediately to stable soil
- Restores brick alignment and exterior appearance
- Quick installation with minimal disruption
Structural Reinforcement & Long-Term Stability
Once stabilized, your brick and masonry benefit from increased structural integrity and improved building performance. Matthews’ underpinning systems strengthen your foundation, helping prevent future cracking or movement. Solutions include:
Related Services
Foundation Repair
Moisture problems in a crawl space can signal deeper foundation issues such as settlement, sagging floors, or wall movement. Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services provides professional foundation stabilization using helical piers, push piers, wall anchors, and structural supports to protect your home from long-term damage.
Crawl Space Repair
From sagging floors and rotted joists to failing support posts and moisture-damaged structures, our crawl space repair solutions address the underlying problems that contribute to mold growth. We reinforce, stabilize, and restore your crawl space to ensure structural integrity and a healthier environment throughout your home.
Waterproofing Solutions
Excess moisture is the root cause of most crawl space mold and mildew. Our interior and exterior waterproofing systems, sump pumps, drainage solutions, and vapor barriers work together to redirect water away from your home, reduce humidity, and create a dry, healthy environment under your house.
Hydroblox Residential Drainage Systems
Hydroblox panels provide high-efficiency drainage without the clogging issues of traditional pipe systems. Installed around crawl spaces or problem moisture areas, Hydroblox moves water quickly and consistently—helping keep your crawl space dry and preventing mold and mildew from returning.
Request a Free Estimate
Get a free, no-obligation inspection from Matthews Wall Anchor—trusted specialists in foundation repair, waterproofing, and structural stability.
