Masonry Maintenance
What to Know About Protecting Your Building’s Exterior Structure
Masonry is one of the most durable building materials, but even the strongest structures require upkeep. Over time, exposure to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and structural movement can compromise the very integrity that masonry is known for. Left unaddressed, small issues can quickly escalate into costly repairs.
But proactive maintenance can preserve the performance, appearance, and lifespan of masonry facades and envelopes. Here, we explore the importance of masonry maintenance and how it can help protect structures as they age.
Understanding Masonry Maintenance
Masonry maintenance encompasses a variety of methods and strategies designed to keep a structure’s exterior envelope sound and secure. While every building has unique needs based on its age, building materials, and exposure to the elements, the fundamentals of masonry care are universal.
Routine maintenance typically includes ensuring mortar joints in masonry units, brick, stone and concrete blocks are free from cracks and deterioration, as well as checking for structural cracks, which indicate there’s movement or settling in the structure. It’s also important to check for moisture infiltration caused by cracks or porous materials.
Why Masonry Maintenance Matters
When masonry serves as a building’s exterior envelope, it is its first line of defense. This means the health of the masonry directly affects the health of the entire structure.
“It’s important to not only keep the building dry, but to the life of the building as well,” says Gary Blankenship, Division Manager for SSRG.
“Masonry not only keeps the building dry, but it protects and preserves the life of the building as well,” says Gary Blankenship, Division Manager for SSRG.
Cracks in the mortar or brickwork allow water penetration, which is one of masonry’s biggest threats. Once moisture enters, it expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations, exacerbating cracks and accelerating structural deterioration. Over time, neglected masonry damage can compromise the stability of load-bearing elements or create safety hazards for occupants and passersby.
Applying a breathable water repellent can be an effective defense. These treatments reduce water absorption without trapping moisture inside the wall, helping masonry remain dry and durable through seasonal changes.
By addressing masonry problems early, property managers and owners can preserve not just the integrity of the structure but also its long-term value.
The Cost of Deferred Maintenance
Too often, property managers and owners don’t invest in masonry maintenance until visible damage appears. By that point, what could have been resolved with a minor repair often becomes a major restoration project.
“Owners and managers often don’t realize there are problems until they see a serious issue,” Blankenship says. “Proactive maintenance can and will prevent the bigger problems.”
The cost of preventive maintenance is always lower than the cost of restoration. Cracks, voids, and water damage only worsen with time and exposure. Proactive investment in inspections and preventative measures not only saves money over the long term but also helps avoid unexpected downtime and disruption.
Inspections: The Foundation of Masonry Care
Visual inspections by a masonry expert are the most effective maintenance strategy. A trained eye can distinguish between cosmetic blemishes and signs of more serious underlying issues such as structural movement or moisture penetration.
“Obvious large cracks or gaps are the most serious and tend to get the most attention,” Blankenship says. “But the smaller cracks are just as damaging.”
The Role of Cleaning in Masonry Maintenance
While routine cleaning is not required for structural performance, it plays a key role in aesthetics. Dirt, plant growth, and pollution can make a building look neglected — and in some cases, cause real harm.
“Sometimes plant growth on a building can root into the masonry and cause water penetration,” Blankenship says.
When cleaning is necessary, it must be done carefully. Chemical cleaning agents designed specifically for masonry are preferred, as they safely remove stains without damaging the substrate. Pressure washing, on the other hand, should only be used at low pressures (under 80 PSI) to prevent driving dirt deeper into the material, causing bigger problems later.
Common Types of Masonry Repairs
Even with the best maintenance practices, repairs and modifications are sometimes inevitable. SSRG specializes in masonry repair, replacements and modifications, including:
- Tuckpointing
- Control joint repair
- Brick matching and replacement
- Parapet repairs
- Flashing repairs
- Chimney repairs
- Brick and stone cleaning
- Facade and envelope improvements
- Concrete strengthening
It’s critical to partner with a trusted masonry expert when initiating any type of masonry work, as it presents complexities that require specialized knowledge, deep experience and a commitment to craftsmanship to successfully navigate.
SSRG has been a leader in structural construction, strengthening, repairs, and restorations for more than 90 years. Backed by complex experience, field-tested expertise, and a no-fear approach, we deliver tough jobs done well. We specialize in structural concrete, specialty new masonry and repairs, structural steel, foundations and stabilization, and historic preservation. Our unrelenting commitment to safety, quality, and production ensures we do right by our partners and our teams every day.