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Environmental factors that lead to masonry problems

Engineers and homebuilders can minimize the occurrences of physical degradation on the structures they built but they are set to battle with the forces of nature first. Here is the list of environmental forces that contribute to common masonry Colorado failure or deterioration

Changes in Temperature

Stone, like all building materials, expands and contracts due to the change in temperature. The most vexing result of this is cracking.
According to research, if a wall was built without or with insufficient joints, its movements due to temperature or moisture change may crack the wall. To solve this, select a type of concrete blocks with low shrinkage potential such as those used in stone brick fireplaces and chimney masonry repair. It is also advisable to allow both block and brick to reach equilibrium moisture content with the air before using them.
Concrete block walls need control joints that should remain sturdy even at abrupt weather changes. The control joints should be affixed in opening and regular intervals along the long walls. Meanwhile, brick walls need expansion joints. The expansion joint’s location should depend on the area’s climate and exposure.

Moisture

The most difficult aspect of brick masonry repair and construction is moisture. Moisture from rain or other environmental conditions softens the wall or patios in Colorado leading to cracks, efflorescence, paint peeling, frost or moisture in the walls, rusting of support structure and spalling materials.

According to Lynn Lauersdorf, deputy director of the Bureau of Architecture and Project Management, the outside moisture is not only the major concern. Most buildings are moisturized in the inside during the rainy days, most especially during winter. Air leakage and vapor pressure tend to draw moisture into the exterior envelope to reach the outside.

Meanwhile, the presence of water and oxygen in the building can lead to corrosion. The walls and bars that completely support the structural framework are susceptible to corrosion. The rust, which is a product of corrosion, can affect the volume of steel and can cause huge cracks. Once a single crack appears and rust inhibits within, there is a tendency for more water to come in and worse, it can deplete the building surface.

Lauersdorf said the best solution to moisture problems is to develop a watertight skin for the building. However, the perfect sealing of a masonry wall surface is almost impossible since fine cracks and joints will allow the passage of water into the wall.

Gravity and Pressure Differentials

Wind, internal building pressure, gravity, raindrop momentum, and capillary suction are complicated terms that a homebuilder must take into account.

Lauerdorf noted the force of gravity or pressure differentials can influence serious degradation. For example, during heavy rains or snow, the rain penetrates the wall with enough velocity to carry them through large openings. Gravity pulls the water downward causing it to flow inward surface irregularities.

Lauerdorf said, "A pressure drop through a wall is produced by wind pressure on the face of the building. At a point where a high rate of inward airflow occurs as a result of an opening and an air pressure drop, water can be dragged along the wall of the opening and cause rain penetration.”