How to Repair a Bowed Brick Wall

There is only one solution to a bowed brick wall. It’s the last thing you want to do. A bowed wall can occur to a new or old structure due to a number of reasons. If the wall is more than 2 inches in length, it is considered serious and should be repaired.

The brick walls start to bow due to taking on too much water and expanding from inside. Clay-fired brick tends to expand as it takes on more water over time.

The middle of a wall is where bowing occurs. The corners of a brick wall are not as soft as the middle parts. The middle is where the wall increases in size when it takes on water. If a wall is bowed at the parapet level, there are other concerns such as the wall being exposed to elements on both sides.

It is not uncommon for a new brick wall to show some signs. Concrete framing and brick veneer can be to blame. Over time, concrete shrinks and brick expands. Relief joints are important when combining different materials.

What Causes a Bowed Brick Wall?

• Lack of repairs, allowing deterioration to set in

• Not keeping up with regular maintenance

• Not adding relief joints egress windows or using conflicting materials can be construction issues.

• Moisture/water damage

What Happens if You Don’t Fix it?

The bowed wall will only get worse if you don’t make the repairs quickly. There are cracks in the corners of the wall that will cause bricks to fall out.

How to Repair a Bowed Brick Wall

The extent of the damage affects each wall. Relief joints are added in many cases. One of the most common methods of repair is to add wall anchors.

Steel channels are used for more severe movement and involve anchoring steel beams to the footing.

Adding carbon fiber strips to the wall is the least intrusive option. The wall won’t continue to bow.

Is it too late to fix a brick wall?

It might be too late to repair the wall if it is spalling. The wall must be torn down and rebuilt after the damage is too bad. Early on it is important to catch a bowed wall.

The Importance of Experienced Mason Professionals

It’s important to hire a licensed mason with experience working on brick wall foundations to make sure repairs are effective. The level of bowed or bulging should always help determine the best method of repair, as there are different methods used. When to stop trying to fix a brick wall is equally important. Working with experts who are honest will offer many benefits. You can get a quote by calling us today.