Brick Wall Bulges: A Complete Repair Guide

When you see any bulging bricks on your walls, it may be very stressful for a homeowner. It’s common to see them following winter, and a skilled bricklayer/construction specialist is usually needed for bulging brick wall repairs. 

When the mortar seams between bricks are not adequately sealed, masonry buildings may develop bulging brick. As a result, the wall may become wet and the bricks may swell and expand. 

It’s critical to take immediate action if you see any bulging in your brick wall. If the issue is not addressed, it may get worse and eventually cause the wall to collapse. We’ll look at brick wall bulging causes, repairing solutions and preventions in this blog.

The Reasons Behind a Brick Wall’s Bulging

Water is typically thought to be the primary offender. Water penetration is a typical cause of a bulging brick wall. The bricks may come loose and the mortar may degrade if water penetrates behind them. The wall may then protrude as a result of the bricks being forced out by the water pressure.

Foundation collapse is another frequent reason for a bulging brick wall. The wall may swell if its base is weak or inconsistent.

Cavity walls require wall ties to secure each layer together, and these ties can fail over time due to corrosion, and in some cases are just not installed or incorrectly positioned or spaced leading to their inevitable failure and the wall bulging or blowing in places.

How to Spot a Bulging Brick Wall 

If you examine attentively, you may notice that when a brick is bulging, the wall appears to be swelling. When the windows seem to be lower than the brickwork, you can also recognize this. Whenever you see any of these indicators, have a trustworthy mason to inspect the whole exterior. The masonry specialist will assist in determining the primary reason and offer remedies to address and avoid the issue.

Since the seasons change, be sure to inspect your walls for any changes since fluctuating temperatures can worsen issues with the bricks. As soon as you see any bulging brick, make sure to have it fixed.

How is a Bulging Brick Wall Repaired?

Based on the extent of the damage and the mason’s degree of skill, the best course of action for repairing a bulging brick wall will be determined. Other considerations include the kind of bricks to be utilized and the location of the damage. The price may be less if the work merely needs repairs. But, the price would go up if the bricks needed to be fixed or replaced.

Simple fixes like using grout to strengthen the wall can be made. Metal plates and unique screws may occasionally be utilized to offer further support. Also, there are a few fixes you can perform if your brick wall is bulging:

• Inspect for leaks and make repairs if necessary.
• Examine the mortar and replace any that is missing or broken.
• Seal the brick wall with a layer of waterproofing sealant.
• Construct a system of reinforcing for brick walls.

These temporary solutions are best used in cases where the condition is not too serious. Bricks should be put back in position or the entire wall has to be replaced right away if the issue calls for more involved action. The repairs on brick wall bulges should only be done by specialists, so don’t try to do it yourself.

How to Avoid Brick Walls from Bulging

It is best to take immediate action to stop your wall’s bricks from expanding. To do this, pay special attention to the walls and inspect them for crumbling joints and cracked mortar. A straightforward yet efficient way to stop these is to make sure that any gaps or fissures are fixed right once to stop water from getting inside and causing more harm.

Conclusion

Your home may appear to have strong, undamaged walls. However, if you examine more closely, you may find certain defects or fractures that require quick fixing.  A wall that is beginning to bulge indicates that it is no longer stable. An unstable wall that is starting to bow or tilt outwards might eventually collapse, posing a serious risk. 

To successfully tackle a bulging brick wall, collaborate with a qualified and licensed masonry firm. This minimizes the hazards involved. The firm should have the necessary knowledge to handle the project. This is especially important when you find that the walls include bent or bulging bricks.