What Causes Brick Mortar to Deteriorate?

Through age and exposure it may deteriorate and can cause severe problems to the structure if it is not remedied.

Moisture Expansion

The environmental factors of contraction and expansion are very hard on mortar. This is particularly true if you live in an area with large temperature swings and regular rainfall in the spring and fall. The process begins when water enters into the mortar through a crack. When the temperature falls below freezing this moisture freezes and expands. This force causes the the mortar to deteriorate.

Settling House

As a home settles into the ground over time, the stress is transferred into the structure above it. If the whole house settled uniformly the damage to the mortar might be reduced. Since certain parts of the structure settle differently, this causes stress on that portion. The mortar is one of the weaker joints on the exterior of the house and will begin to crack and peel. When this happens it also allows moisture to enter these cracks.

Warping Wall and Floor Frames

The strength of the mortar can also be affected by the wall and floor frames expanding and contracting. Moisture can also cause the wood to warp, This process takes longer, but it can do the same amount of damage. The other issue is that it allows moisture to enter the damaged areas.

Insect and Other Pests

Burrowing insects and other outdoor fauna can cause an enormous amount of damage. Any insect that has the ability to dig will attempt to dig into the mortar. A small crack gives them access and then they locate areas of least resistance and begin their burrowing. Wasps and bees are capable of this type of damage.

Plants

Vines are a very destructive force to mortar. Vines cling to walls and have small roots that help them hang on the wall. These small gripping roots can enter into small cracks in the mortar. As they grow the roots force the mortar in weakened areas to deteriorate and crack.