blog-banner

Are you looking for a contractor?

Submit our quick form and get quotes now!

The 6 most common masonry problems

By SoumissionRenovation.ca

Updated on November 7, 2023

Brick is a timeless material, known for its strength and versatility. It can be found in homes with classic architecture as well as in modern and bold-looking buildings. This material has several advantages and if well maintained, will remain beautiful for several years, even decades. When it comes to masonry problems, some are minor and easy to repair. Others are more complex and can cause serious damage if not treated quickly.

In this article, we’ll discuss masonry problems that are widespread and offer advice on the proper steps to take to start the renovation process.

The 6 most common masonry problems

1- Efflorescence

efflorescence_Les 6 problèmes de maçonnerie les plus communs

Source : Canva

Efflorescence is a common phenomenon on brick walls because it is a whitish crystalline deposit that occurs on lime or masonry cement products. It’s sometimes confused with mould but the difference is that efflorescence does not appear on surfaces made from organic substances. There are several factors that can cause an efflorescence problem, and you’re more likely to encounter this problem during the cooler and wetter periods of the year, ie, fall and spring. To learn more about the causes, check out our article What does efflorescence mean?

With regard to possible solutions for this problem, it will be necessary to adapt according to the specific issue. As a result, a masonry expert should be consulted to diagnose and determine what to do. However, if you’re curious to know more, do ample research to discover further details about possible solutions. This will help you to discover what to avoid doing so as not to aggravate the problem.  

2- The appearance of a bulging wall

bulging brick wall_The 6 most common masonry problems

This phenomenon may have a strange name but with far less sympathetic consequences. A bulging brick wall means swelling in a brick wall, usually caused by water infiltration, rusting on anchors, mortar deterioration or shifting on the exterior cladding. To identify a bulging wall, look for a section of your brick wall that has abnormal swelling.

As soon as you discover the potential presence of such swelling, it’s crucial to contact a mason as soon as possible. This is because the wall could easily collapse at any time. The mason will be able to determine if it’s necessary to remake the entire brick wall or if you can simply repair the damaged section.

To learn more about bulging wall repair techniques as well as the price for doing the work, check out our article on the subject: Bulging Walls: How to Identify and Solve the Problem

3- Mortar deterioration

Mortier brique_Les 6 problèmes de maçonnerie les plus communs

Source : Canva

Mortar used for brick joints can sometimes be of poor quality, or it may degrade over time. As soon as you notice signs of degradation, you must act quickly to avoid additional problems including water infiltration and the appearance of bulging. In our article How to Repair Mortar Joints, we explain the steps for replacing mortar that has deteriorated

4- Damaged bricks

Brique endommagée_Les 6 problèmes de maçonnerie les plus communs

Source : Canva

Over time, bricks can become damaged, especially due to temperature variation or additional factors that can reduce the lifespan of the bricks. Once you’ve made sure that the section of damaged bricks isn’t hiding a bulging wall, it’s possible to proceed to the next step which will involve removing damaged bricks and replacing them.

Check out our article How to Replace a Damaged Brick for the steps and materials you’ll need. Note, however, that this is not a task for beginners who don’t have previous experience with manual work.

5- Cracks in the brick walls

Fissure briques_Les 6 problèmes de maçonnerie les plus communs

Source : Canva

Cracks in brick walls may indicate the presence of bulging walls, but this isn’t the only cause. In fact, it could signal a problem of any other order. For example, the crack may have been created by movement, and this could be due to a slump in the house or a problem with the foundation.

Since this could point to a serious problem, do not wait to find out what it is and take action as soon as possible.

6- Mould

Brique moisissure_Les 6 problèmes de maçonnerie les plus communs

Source : Canva

In our first point, we illustrated the difference between efflorescence and mould. That being said, the latter can also lead to rather significant consequences if not dealt with quickly. In some cases, if the mould has not penetrated too deeply, simply cleaning the area can efficiently solve the problem. On the other hand, if the mould is embedded into the wall as well as any cracks or openings, more in-depth work will need to be done. It will further be important to determine what has caused the presence of mould to prevent it from returning.

Get 3 renovation quotes from masonry contractors

RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes from qualified masons. If you submit your project to us, we’ll put you in contact with the best masons in our contractor network. Fill in the form on (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from qualified masons and home renovation companies. 

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?

Table of contents

4 min read

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Are you a contractor?

Join our network and receive real leads!

Download the price guide for renovations

We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

2 min read

SoumissionRenovation.ca • 07 Nov 2023

3 tips to improve the insulation of an exterior door

It’s difficult to deny that as soon as the chilly weather arrives, rushing to the thermostat to crank up the heat seems like the only way to keep the inside of the home warm and comfortable. What you may not realize is that even if your heaters are on full blast, the indoor temperature will only stay cosy if your home is insulated correctly.

Exterior renovations
4 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 09 Feb 2024

Everything About an Acrylic Coating

Did an acrylic coating seem like a good idea initially, but on second thought, not so much? A lot of Quebec residents used it for new constructions before the turn of the century, yet swiftly felt its let down. Between promises of energy savings and unparalleled durability, what's an acrylic coating really about? 

Exterior renovations
5 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023

Everything You Need to Know About a Wet Room

If you haven’t heard of a wet room before, we recommend you start paying attention to this growing trend. The wet room is becoming more desirable as a minimalist, one-of-a-kind feature that works to add value to your home.

Renovation tips
7 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 20 Sep 2024

Decorative Ceiling Tiles—Why Get in on This New Trend?

Nowadays, there’s a host of quality products designed to boost home aesthetics, helping it stand the test of time, streamlining its maintenance, or ensuring its uniqueness.

Tiling
7 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 01 Aug 2024

The Average Cost of New Construction in 2024

New homes are increasingly in demand. In fact, they're very popular with young professionals looking for a modern and comfortable living space. Gone are the days of people purchasing to restore and remodel; the trend’s now set toward new construction. And it's understandable!


Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!