Noticing new mortar cracking between bricks? While some small cracks might be harmless, others can point to deeper issues.
Cracks in fresh mortar often result from specific causes—like foundation settling, weather exposure, or inconsistencies in the mortar mix—that homeowners can easily overlook. Here’s how to understand the culprits and take proactive steps for your brick exterior.
1) Settling and Shifting
As a home settles, the foundation naturally adjusts to its surroundings, especially in the years immediately after construction or major renovations.
Movement can lead to cracking in the mortar between bricks, which often appears as thin, hairline cracks along the mortar lines. For new brickwork, these cracks may not seem like a big deal, but they can signal future problems.
What to Look For:
- Thin, horizontal, or stair-step cracks along mortar lines, especially around windows, doors, and corners.
Consistent cracks in specific areas can indicate parts of the structure are settling unevenly, which may point to foundation issues. - When minor, these cracks are usually harmless. But if they widen or spread, it could mean the foundation is shifting more than normal, potentially putting stress on other parts of the home. Keep an eye on them, as changes over time may call for professional evaluation.
2) Weather and Environmental Stressors
Weather is a significant factor in mortar durability.
Brick and mortar expand and contract with temperature shifts, and in climates with strong seasonal changes, like Charlotte’s, this constant movement can weaken the bond between bricks.
Temperature fluctuations, freeze-thaw cycles, and humidity can all contribute to mortar cracking.
How Weather Impacts Mortar:
- Freeze-thaw cycles allow water to seep into small pores in the mortar. When temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, pushing apart the mortar and causing small cracks to widen.
- Humidity can gradually weaken mortar, making it more porous and vulnerable to cracking. Even small amounts of water exposure can wear down the mortar’s durability.
- Heat and sun exposure can cause the mortar to dry out and shrink, creating tiny gaps that eventually turn into visible cracks.
Protecting against weather-related cracks involves regular maintenance, like applying a waterproof sealant to reduce water absorption.
3) Mortar Quality or Application
The quality of the mortar mix and how it’s applied can play a major role in whether new mortar cracks.
Even small inconsistencies during the mixing or application process can lead to early damage. If the mortar isn’t mixed or applied correctly, it may crack much sooner than expected.
Common Problems:
- Incorrect mix ratios weaken the mortar, making it more prone to cracking under environmental stress.
Improper curing times leave the mortar too brittle or weak, especially when exposed to extreme weather before it fully hardens. - Uneven application can cause thinner sections of mortar to crack more easily as they won’t bond as strongly with the bricks.
Hiring a skilled mason who uses high-quality materials and follows best practices during the installation is key to preventing early mortar failure.
Proactive Tips to Minimize Mortar Cracking
Taking preventive steps can save homeowners from dealing with extensive repairs. Here are some practical ways to minimize the risk of cracks in your new mortar:
- Seal the mortar with a weatherproof coating to reduce moisture absorption and protect against freeze-thaw cycles.
- Inspect brickwork regularly, especially after extreme weather or seasonal changes, to catch any early signs of cracking.
- Ensure proper drainage around your home to prevent water from pooling near the foundation, which can seep into the mortar and weaken it over time.
- Use flexible caulking around windows, doors, and other areas prone to movement to absorb shifting and reduce the risk of mortar cracking.
Other Maintenance for Brick Exteriors
Maintaining brick exteriors is about more than just fixing cracks. Regular care can extend the life of your brickwork and keep your home looking its best.
Repoint damaged mortar to replace crumbling sections and prevent further cracking.
Clean brick exteriors gently to avoid the buildup of dirt, mold, or mildew, which can degrade mortar over time.
When to Call a Professional
If cracks in your mortar are growing wider, appearing frequently, or showing up in areas like corners or around windows and doors, it’s a good idea to call a professional.
These patterns often indicate more than just surface-level damage and may point to foundation shifts or settling beyond what’s normal. You should also reach out to a professional if you notice gaps forming between bricks, as this can weaken the overall structure.
A property inspector can assess whether the cracks are simply cosmetic or a symptom of a larger structural issue, like foundation movement or poor drainage around your home. If left unchecked, these problems can lead to more serious damage, like water intrusion or compromised structural integrity.
Final Thoughts
New mortar cracking between bricks is often a sign of underlying issues that can worsen if left unattended. Whether it’s caused by foundation settling, weather conditions, or inconsistencies in the mortar mix, regular maintenance will prevent many of the factors that lead to mortar cracking.
Taking care of your brick exterior today will keep your home safe and looking its best. Beyond taking the time for minor repairs, homeowners in Charlotte, NC, and surrounding areas should schedule regularly with experts like AHI Residential and Commercial Inspections.
