Worried that your brick wall moves when pushed? Over time, brick walls can deteriorate due to a number of factors including damage, age, weather, and normal wear and tear. One problem some homeowners may face with an older brick wall is noticing that the wall moves when pushed. In this article, we’ll look at what may be causing this problem and how to fix it. For more information on masonry and repairs, contact the experts at Royal Masonry now!

My Brick Wall Moves When Pushed – What’s Going On?

Whether you are a brand new homeowner or have owned your home for decades, it can be scary to discover your brick wall has started moving or swaying when pushed. If your wall moves even a small amount, that is a telltale sign something is wrong.

Masonry is known for its durability and strength. It has been used in the construction of homes and buildings for thousands of years and should be one of the most stable parts of your home’s construction.

Unfortunately, bricks are not invincible. Over time, your brick walls can become weakened due to physical damage, harsh weather, lack of maintenance, and regular wear and tear due to age. Poor construction can also cause problems such as a moving brick wall. In this section, we will look at two main reasons why your brick walls may move when pushed and how to fix the problem.

Watch this quick video to see a home inspection in process, during which the inspector looks for signs of serious problems, such as movement, with this home’s brick walls.

 

 

Problem #1 – Loose Bricks

If you push on your brick wall and notice it move, it may not be the entire wall that is moving. A few problem bricks could be the culprit. Sometimes, a section of bricks can become loose for a variety of reasons and begin moving when pushed.

You can usually tell if this is your problem if you notice a large crack around a section of bricks, and if some bricks are beginning to protrude outwards.

How To Fix This Problem

If you are sure that your brick wall is moving due to a select few bricks that have come out of place, you can consider do-it-yourself repair using masonry repair anchors. Follow these steps when using repair anchors to fix your moving bricks.

Step 1: Determine where you will place your masonry anchors
Step 2: Drill “pilot holes” to access the backing wall system
Step 3: Drill secondary pilot holes through the first pilot holes to reach the backup framing
Step 4: Use the secondary pilot hole to “guide” the repair anchor through to the right placement within the bricks
Step 5: Install the repair anchor into the framing by inserting the anchor through the hole in the masonry to the pilot hole
Step 6: Screw the anchor into the framing (this is done with a special tool that usually comes with repair anchor kits)
Step 7: Install the sleeve – this provides grip for the anchor in your masonry
Step 8: Install the furrel into the sleeve and tighten, then tuck point the holes to seal everything off

For more information and diagrams for this step-by-step process, visit cincihomepro.com

If you are not an experienced DIY-er and do not have a lot of know-how when it comes to masonry and structural issues, you may want to call in the experts for this job.

See the video below for one method used by professionals to fix an entire section of bricks that have come loose from the wall.

 

 

Breaks can lean and break away from the wall for a variety of reasons. A professional masonry company can accurately diagnose the problem, ensuring you don’t miss a more serious problem. They also have the experience and knowledge to fix your problem and ensure you don’t experience more issues in the near future.

Problem #2 – Foundation Problems

If you take a closer look and notice that your entire brick wall is moving, not just a select few bricks within the wall, then you likely have a much bigger problem on your hands. Unfortunately, if your entire brick wall sways or moves when pushed or leaned into, this is likely a sign of a major structural issue with the wall or your foundation.

If your entire wall is moving or swaying, it can become a serious safety hazard. You should take immediate action to ensure the safety of you and those around you. This problem can occur due to physical damage, untreated water damage over long periods of time, frost damage, and more. It can also be an indication of poor masonry work done during the construction of the home – meaning you may run into other problem areas in the future.

How To Fix This Problem

If your entire brick wall is swaying or moving, whether it is a structural wall or brick veneer wall, you should contact masonry experts to assess the problem as quickly as possible.

As with any other brick wall problem, an experienced masonry company will know what is causing your wall’s problem, how to safely and efficiently fix the problem, and what to do if unexpected problems arise.

If the repair is highly structural and highly intensive, a masonry company may recommend you also work with a trusted engineer to fix the structural damage. A masonry expert can also help assess if other brick walls at your home are at risk, and how to maintain and prevent problems with your other walls.

Royal Masonry – Choose The Trusted Professionals

The team at Royal Masonry has built a solid reputation for superior customer service and the highest quality stone masonry craftsmanship in Southern Ontario. Our mission is to provide you with the best quality workmanship at the right price. You can be certain that we will get the job done right the first time.

Our professional approach and superior customer service mean that you can relax in the knowledge that your project is in safe hands. Trust the experts at Royal Masonry with any masonry service you require. Contact us today and find out for yourself why our customers highly recommend us to their friends and family.

Do Your Brick Walls Need Repairs?

Sources

diychatroom.com / inspectapedia.com / cincihomepro.com / bdcnetwork.com