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Every building needs maintenance in order to function without trouble. Are you seeing any of these problems on your building? Performing repairs soon will prevent them from becoming expensive emergency situations.
Caulking works everyday compressing and expanding with the building and over time, this action wears it out. Does your caulking look weather-checked like this? If so, it's time to have the old caulk replaced. Click here for what to look for in a quality caulking repair. Don't let water infiltrate before you decide to recaulk.
Cracks forming like this typically mean the structure is moving. A simple patch or repair will only result in similar cracks forming. Before repairs you need to have a professional determine the source of the problem.
Caulk bulging out of expansion joints means the brick are expanding. Saw cutting to widen the expansion joint is advised to ensure the brick have enough space for future expansion.
The caulk failed on this joint and once water got inside, freeze thaw cycles pulverized the joint and heaved the cap upward. The cap needs to be removed and re-set and the joint sealed to prevent this from happening again.
Pack rust is forming on the steel reinforcing bars inside the concrete and is pushing with 100,000 psi of force on the surrounding concrete. Left untouched, the process can create severe structural damage.
Typical mortar failure allows water into the building. Tuckpointing is the process of removing the old mortar and replacing it with new mortar matched to the characteristics of the building.
Another example of failed mortar in need of replacement.
Brick spalling is a serious hazard. There are many potential causes when this occurs and you can expect more faces to continue to fall off starting with the orange bricks. Consulting an expert is advised.
This lintel above the window has pack rust forming on it, a sure sign that excess moisture is persistently attacking the metal structure forming pack rust. This pack rust is then creating incredible force, deforming the façade surrounding it. While the damage is easy to observe on the outside, it is the tip of the iceberg. The true source of the problem lies within the wall cavity and needs to be investigated before complaints about water damage within the building begin.
Failure to keep up on maintenance has allowed this area on the building to become dangerous. At this point, the brick have become loose and it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.
Efflorescent salts forming on the surface of the brick are telltale signs that water has been making its way into the brick dissolving internal salts. Evaporation is bringing these salts to the surface.
Catch problems before water infiltrates into the building and becomes an expensive emergency repair. Regular yearly inspections should include:
If you see any of these problems and would like a free site visit from building experts, give us a call.
"In my 23+ years with the City of Eagan, I can truthfully say that I have never had the pleasure of working with a more professional, conscientious and dedicated contractor representative as yourself... All our contacts were very complimentary and spoke very highly of your firm, including comments such as "How did you get the best company on a low bid basis?" I now share their sentiments."
Thomas Colbert - Director of Public Works, City of Eagan
