Choosing the Right Aggregate for Your Concrete Walkway
When designing a concrete walkway, most homeowners focus on choosing the right color and texture for their concrete mix. However, one of the most critical decisions to make when it comes to concrete walkway design is selecting the appropriate aggregate.
In concrete, aggregates are the granular materials that make up the majority of the mixture. They provide strength, stability, and bulk to the final product. There are many types of aggregates to choose from, each with unique properties and characteristics that can impact the look and durability of your walkway. Here's what you need to know about selecting the right aggregate for your concrete walkway:
Size Matters
The size of the aggregate is one of the most crucial factors to consider. Aggregates come in a range of sizes, from small sand particles to large rocks. In general, the larger the aggregate, the stronger the final concrete mix will be. However, using aggregates that are too large can create an uneven surface on the walkway and make it difficult to achieve a smooth finish. On the other hand, using aggregates that are too small can result in a weaker mix that is more prone to cracking.
For most walkway projects, a medium-sized aggregate between 3/8" and 1/2" in diameter is the best choice. This size is large enough to provide strength and stability but small enough to create a smooth, even surface.
Color and Texture
Another important factor to consider when selecting aggregates is color and texture. Aggregates come in a variety of colors and textures, ranging from smooth river rock to rough, jagged granite. Choosing the right color and texture can have a significant impact on the final appearance of your walkway. For example, using aggregates with warm, earthy tones can create a natural, organic look that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. In contrast, using aggregates with a bright, bold color can create a more modern, eye-catching design.
Consider the Climate
The climate of your region is also an important factor to consider when selecting aggregates for your walkway. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, such as freeze-thaw cycles or high humidity, you'll need to choose an aggregate that is durable enough to withstand these conditions. Certain types of aggregates, such as limestone, may not be suitable for areas with high moisture levels because they can break down over time.
Choose the Right Aggregate Supplier
Finally, when selecting aggregates for your concrete walkway, choosing a reputable supplier is essential. A good aggregate supplier like Brickworks will offer a wide selection of high-quality aggregates and be able to provide recommendations based on your specific needs and budget. They will also be knowledgeable about the different types of aggregates and their unique properties, allowing them to guide you toward the best choice for your walkway project.
In conclusion, selecting the right aggregate for your concrete walkway is a critical decision that can impact the strength, durability, and appearance of your final product. By considering factors such as size, color and texture, climate, and choosing the right supplier, you can ensure that your walkway is not only beautiful but also functional and long-lasting. If you're unsure about which aggregate to choose, consult with a professional concrete contractor who can guide you through the process and help you make the best decision for your walkway project.
Spot the Signs of Foundation Damage with Brickworks
Your home or business property's foundation is one of the most critical elements that keep it standing. It is what supports the entire structure and keeps it stable. As a property owner, it's crucial to keep an eye out for signs of foundation damage. Neglecting these signs can lead to severe structural damage, affecting the safety and value of your property.
Here are five signs of foundation damage that you should look out for:
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Cracks in the Walls and Floors
Cracks in your property's walls, floors, or ceilings are a common sign of foundation damage. If you notice any new or growing cracks, it's essential to call Brickworks Property Restoration immediately. Cracks are often caused by shifting soil, and as a result, they can indicate that the foundation is shifting or settling.
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Uneven Floors
If you notice that the floors in your property are uneven or sloping, it's a sign of foundation damage. Uneven floors can be dangerous, and they can cause trips and falls. It's important to have your foundation inspected by our team at Brickworks Property Restoration to determine the root cause of the problem.
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Doors and Windows That Stick
If you have trouble opening and closing doors and windows, it could be a sign of foundation damage. When a foundation shifts, it can cause doors and windows to become misaligned, leading to difficulty in opening and closing them.
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Gaps Around Doors and Windows
If you notice gaps between doors or windows and their frames, it's a sign of foundation damage. As the foundation shifts, it can cause the frame of the doors and windows to shift as well, leaving gaps. These gaps can lead to drafts and energy loss, affecting the comfort and energy efficiency of your property.
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Sagging or Buckling Floors
If you notice that your floors are sagging or buckling, it's a severe sign of foundation damage. Sagging floors indicate that the foundation is no longer supporting the weight of the property, and the structural integrity of your property may be compromised.
The Bottom Line
If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to call Brickworks Property Restoration in Metro Detroit immediately. Our team of experts has years of experience in foundation repair and can assess the damage to your foundation and provide the necessary repairs.
Ignoring foundation damage can lead to more severe structural issues, making repairs more costly and time-consuming. By calling Brickworks Property Restoration at the first sign of foundation damage, you can prevent further damage and ensure the safety and value of your property.
In conclusion, foundation damage is a severe issue that should not be taken lightly. Keep an eye out for the signs mentioned above and call Brickworks Property Restoration immediately if you notice any of them. Our team is here to provide high-quality foundation repair services in Metro Detroit, ensuring that your property remains safe and structurally sound.
Cracked Concrete Driveway? Expert Repair in Michigan
Concrete driveways are a common sight in many residential and commercial properties in Michigan. They are durable and long-lasting, but they can also suffer from wear and tear over time. When this happens, it is important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage and potential safety hazards.
At Brickworks Property Restoration, we specialize in concrete driveway repair and replacement. In this blog post, we will discuss some common issues that may arise with concrete driveways and the solutions that we offer to restore them to their original condition.
Cracks in Concrete Driveway
Cracked concrete driveways are a common issue that can occur due to a variety of reasons, including freeze-thaw cycles, heavy traffic, and improper installation. Cracks not only detract from the appearance of your driveway, but they can also lead to further damage if left untreated.
At Brickworks Property Restoration, we use a variety of techniques to repair cracks in concrete driveways, depending on the severity of the damage. For minor cracks, we use a specialized concrete patching material to fill in the cracks and restore the surface to its original condition. For more extensive damage, we may need to remove and replace the affected area of the driveway.
Concrete Driveway Settling
Another common issue that can occur with concrete driveways is settling. This happens when the soil underneath the driveway compresses over time, causing the concrete to sink and crack. Settling can also occur if the driveway was not properly installed on a stable base.
At Brickworks Property Restoration, we offer a range of solutions to address settling issues with concrete driveways. One of the most effective solutions is mudjacking, which involves injecting a mixture of cement and soil underneath the settled area of the driveway to lift it back into place. This technique is cost-effective and minimally invasive, allowing us to repair your driveway with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Another solution for settling issues is to replace the affected area of the driveway. This may be necessary if the settling is extensive or if the driveway has already suffered significant damage. Our team will assess the extent of the damage and provide you with a range of options to choose from.
Both Cracking and Settling
In some cases, concrete driveways may suffer from both cracking and settling. This can be a more complex issue to address, as it requires a combination of techniques to restore the driveway to its original condition.
At Brickworks Property Restoration, we have extensive experience in repairing concrete driveways with multiple issues. We will assess the extent of the damage and provide you with a customized solution that addresses all the issues with your driveway.
Concrete Driveway Replacement
In some cases, repairing a concrete driveway may not be feasible, and replacement may be necessary. This may be the case if the driveway has suffered extensive damage or if it is beyond its useful life.
At Brickworks Property Restoration, we offer a range of replacement options for concrete driveways. We will work with you to choose the best materials and design for your new driveway, ensuring that it meets your specific needs and requirements.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and durability of your concrete driveway. Regular cleaning and sealing can help prevent issues such as cracking and staining, and can also improve the appearance of your driveway.
At Brickworks Property Restoration, we offer a range of maintenance services for concrete driveways, including cleaning, sealing, and crack repair. Our team will work with you to develop a customized maintenance plan that meets your specific needs and helps extend the life of your driveway.
The Bottom Line
If you are experiencing issues with your concrete driveway, it is important to address them promptly to prevent further damage and potential safety hazards. At Brickworks Property Restoration, we specialize in concrete driveway repair and replacement, and we offer a range of solutions to address any issues with your driveway. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help restore your concrete driveway to its original condition and ensure its longevity and durability. Our experienced team is committed to providing high-quality services and exceptional customer service, and we will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your driveway repair or replacement is completed to your satisfaction. Don't wait until your driveway issues become more extensive and costly to fix. Contact Brickworks Property Restoration today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in restoring your driveway to its original condition.
Michigan Porch Maintenance: 7 Tips
Michigan is renowned for its beautiful homes, and porches are an integral part of its architecture. Whether it's a small, cozy space or a grand, sweeping veranda, porches provide a welcoming extension of a home's living space. However, being exposed to Michigan's extreme weather conditions, porches are vulnerable to damage, such as cracks, chips, and water damage. As a homeowner, it's essential to maintain and repair your porch regularly to ensure its longevity and safety. In this article, we'll discuss seven crucial porch maintenance and repair tasks every Michigan homeowner should know.
1. Inspect the Porch Regularly
Inspecting your porch regularly is crucial to ensure that it's in good condition. Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, rot, or water damage. Inspect the pillars, railing, stairs, and deck to ensure they're structurally sound. If you notice any damage, call a professional masonry and brick repair company immediately to prevent further deterioration.
2. Clean the Porch Regularly
Regular cleaning is vital to keep your porch looking new and free from dirt, debris, and mold. Sweep the porch regularly to remove debris, leaves, and other dirt that may accumulate. Use a power washer or a garden hose to clean the porch thoroughly. Be sure to clean the pillars, railing, stairs, and deck to remove any stains or dirt.
3. Seal the Porch Regularly
Sealing your porch regularly is crucial to protect it from moisture damage, which can lead to mold growth, rot, and decay. Consider using a high-quality sealer to protect your porch from water damage. You can also consider using a waterproofing solution to protect your porch from water damage.
4. Repair Cracks and Chips
Cracks and chips on your porch can quickly turn into a safety hazard if left unattended. Repair any cracks and chips immediately to prevent further damage. Call a professional masonry and brick repair company to repair any cracks and chips professionally.
5. Replace Damaged Boards
Replacing damaged boards is crucial to maintain the structural integrity of your porch. If you notice any rot, decay, or damage, replace the affected boards immediately. Be sure to use high-quality materials to ensure your porch lasts for years.
6. Check the Drainage
Checking the drainage on your porch is essential to prevent water damage. Ensure that the water drains away from the porch and doesn't pool around the foundation. You can also consider adding gutters to prevent water damage.
7. Hire a Professional Masonry and Brick Repair Company
Hiring a professional masonry and brick repair company is crucial to ensure your porch stays in excellent condition. A professional company can inspect your porch, identify any issues, and provide the necessary repairs. They can also offer maintenance tips to help you keep your porch in excellent condition.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, porches are an essential part of many homes in Michigan, and it's crucial to maintain and repair them regularly to ensure their longevity and functionality. By inspecting your porch regularly, cleaning it, sealing it, repairing cracks and chips, replacing damaged boards, checking the drainage, and hiring a professional masonry and brick repair company, you can keep your porch in excellent condition for years to come. If you need any porch repair or maintenance services in Michigan, consider Brickworks Property Restoration. We have years of experience in masonry and brick repair and can help you keep your porch in excellent condition.
Signs Your Concrete Driveway Needs to be Repaired: A Guide for Homeowners
Concrete driveways are a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability, but like any other material, they can become damaged over time. While some damage can be minor and easily fixed, other signs may indicate a more significant issue that requires professional attention. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some common signs that your concrete driveway needs to be repaired.
Cracks
One of the most common signs that your concrete driveway needs repair is the appearance of cracks. These can range from small hairline cracks to larger cracks that run the length of the driveway. Cracks can occur due to various reasons such as weather conditions, heavy traffic, or poor installation. While small cracks may not seem like a big deal, they can worsen over time, leading to more significant issues.
Uneven Surface
An uneven surface is another sign that your concrete driveway needs repair. This can occur due to settling or shifting of the ground beneath the driveway, leading to an uneven surface. Uneven surfaces can be dangerous, as they can cause people to trip and fall or damage your vehicle's suspension.
Pitting or Spalling
Pitting or spalling is the deterioration of the surface of the concrete driveway. This can occur due to exposure to freeze-thaw cycles or the use of de-icing salts during the winter months. Pitting or spalling can cause the surface of the driveway to become rough or flaky, making it unsightly and prone to further damage.
Water Pools
Water pools on your concrete driveway after rain or melting snow may indicate that there is an issue with the slope or grade of the driveway. The driveway should be sloped slightly away from your home to ensure that water does not pool on its surface. Water pooling can lead to water damage, erosion, and a slippery surface.
Stains
Stains on your concrete driveway can be caused by various substances such as oil, grease, or chemicals. While some stains can be easily removed using a pressure washer or a cleaning solution, others may require professional attention. Stains that are left untreated can seep into the concrete and cause further damage, making it harder to remove them later.
Chipped or Broken Edges
Chipped or broken edges on your concrete driveway can occur due to heavy traffic, weather conditions, or accidental damage. These can be unsightly and can cause further damage if left unaddressed. Chipped or broken edges should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the damage from spreading.
Sunken Areas
Sunken areas on your concrete driveway may indicate that there is an issue with the ground beneath the driveway. This can occur due to soil erosion or settling. Sunken areas can be dangerous, as they can cause people to trip and fall or damage your vehicle's suspension.
The Bottom Line
If you notice any of these signs on your concrete driveway, it's important to take action and have it repaired as soon as possible. Delaying repairs can lead to more significant issues and costly repairs down the line. Minor damage can be easily repaired using some simple tools and materials, but more significant damage may require professional attention. Hiring a professional concrete repair company can ensure that your driveway is repaired correctly and remains safe and functional for years to come.
Restoring the Character of Detroit's Historic Brick Homes
Detroit, Michigan is a city rich in history, and one of the best ways to appreciate that history is through the beautiful, historic brick homes that dot its streets. However, many of Detroit's Historic Brick Homes have fallen into disrepair over the years, and it's up to us to restore them to their former glory.
At Brickworks Property Restoration, we specialize in the restoration of historic brick homes in Detroit, MI. We understand the importance of preserving the history and character of these homes, and we take pride in helping homeowners do just that. In this blog post, we'll share some insights into the process of restoring a historic brick home and why it's essential to work with a professional masonry and brick repair company like Brickworks.
Assessing the Damage
The first step in restoring a historic brick home is to assess the damage. This typically involves a thorough inspection of the exterior of the house, including the brickwork, mortar, and any other masonry elements like chimneys, columns, or arches. We'll look for signs of cracking, spalling, or other forms of damage that can compromise the structural integrity of the home.
Once we've identified the areas of damage, we'll work with the homeowner to create a plan for repair. This plan will outline the scope of the work, the materials needed, and the timeline for completion.
Repairing the Brickwork
The next step in restoring Detroit's Historic Brick Homes is to repair the brickwork itself. This can involve a range of techniques depending on the type and extent of the damage. For example, if the brickwork has cracks or holes, we may need to remove and replace individual bricks. If there's more extensive damage, we may need to repoint the entire brick facade.
Tuckpointing is a process in which we remove the old, deteriorated mortar and replace it with fresh mortar that matches the original color and texture. This not only improves the structural integrity of the brickwork but also gives the home a fresh, new look.
Preserving the Character of the Home
One of the most critical aspects of restoring a historic brick home is preserving its character. Historic homes often have unique architectural features that are a testament to the era in which they were built. Our team at Brickworks understands the importance of preserving these features, and we work diligently to ensure that the restored home remains true to its original design.
For example, if the home has decorative brickwork, we'll carefully remove any damaged bricks and replace them with new ones that match the original design. We'll also use traditional masonry techniques to ensure that the restored brickwork looks as authentic as possible.
Why Work with a Professional Brick Repair Company?
Restoring a historic brick home is not a job for amateurs. It requires a high level of skill, expertise in masonry and brick repair, and an understanding of historic preservation techniques. That's why it's essential to work with a professional brick repair company like Brickworks.
Our team has years of experience in restoring Detroit's Historic Brick Homes as well as homes throughout Southeast Michigan. We understand the unique challenges and requirements of this type of work, and we have the skills and tools needed to get the job done right.
In addition to our expertise, we also use the highest quality materials available. We source our bricks and mortar from trusted suppliers and ensure that they meet the exact specifications needed for the job.
The Bottom Line
Restoring a historic brick home is a labor of love, and it's essential to work with a professional masonry and brick repair company that understands the importance of preserving the home's character and history. At Brickworks Property Restoration, we take pride in our work and are dedicated to helping homeowners restore their historic homes to their former glory. If you have a historic brick home in need of repair, contact us today to get a free quote on your home project.
When Should You Schedule Chimney Maintenance?
Even if you don’t use your fireplace a lot, chimneys need to be regularly maintained in order for your home to be safe and free of functional issues. Here’s what you need to know about chimney maintenance:
How Often Should You Schedule Chimney Maintenance?
The National Fire Protection Association recommends a yearly inspection of your home’s chimney, followed by a cleaning if necessary. In addition to normal soot accumulation, chimneys are ideal nesting spots for birds, squirrels, bats and raccoons, the debris of which can pose potential issues if not properly and regularly cleared. Even if you don’t actually see a problem with your chimney, soot, ashes, branches, leaves and other matter can block the flow of smoke, air and other gases and leave your chimney and/or even entire home susceptible to damage. At Brickworks Property Restoration, we suggest yearly maintenance for your chimney in order to avoid bigger — and potentially life-threatening — issues down the line.
Specific Reasons to Schedule Chimney Maintenance
The main reason to schedule maintenance is to keep your chimney working normally. When performed properly, regular chimney maintenance helps to:
- Prevent Chimney Fires — Chimney fires most commonly occur as a result of creosote buildup within the interior walls of a chimney. Creosote is a highly flammable, tar-like substance that forms as the chemicals and other particles within smoke cool and condense on their way out of a chimney. It accumulates over time, moving through three stages of buildup, each one progressively harder to remove than the last. With regular chimney maintenance, however, creosote is removed before it becomes concentrated (and, thus, more difficult to clear and more likely to catch fire).
- Clear Debris — A large bird’s nest or other rogue animal lair can partially or completely block a chimney, making it impossible for smoke to escape your home when you use your fireplace. The nest itself poses a fire hazard, as well, since nesting materials are typically vulnerable to catching fire. Chimney maintenance allows you to clean your chimney of soot and other debris so that your chimney correctly directs smoke and other toxic chemicals and gases out of your fireplace and has nothing extraneous within its interior that could possibly ignite.
- Remove Odors from the Home — Debris in a chimney can also smell. Chimney maintenance provides the opportunity for you to remove unpleasant odors that stem from creosote buildup, soot and animal or other natural debris!
- Identify Possible Problems — Finally, regular chimney maintenance is the perfect time to look for possible problems with the structural integrity of the chimney itself. It can uncover damaged flue tiles, crowns and flashing; cracked liners; missing mortar and caps; faulty dampers and more! Identifying these types of issues immediately helps protect your home from more expensive and extensive damage in the future.
Want to Learn More?
If your home has a chimney, you should be scheduling routine chimney maintenance. Regular inspections will help protect your home and keep you and your family safe. Please contact Brickworks Property Restoration to learn more about chimney maintenance or to have your chimney’s structural integrity inspected today.
How Repointing Brick Improves the Value of Your Home
Repointing brick is the process by which decayed or missing mortar between joints in masonry construction is repaired. Over time, the mortar that holds bricks together wears away. Repointing brick is the best way to restore the mortar in a brick wall. Here’s why repointing brick adds value to your home:
It Restores Structural Stability
First and foremost, repointing brick restores structural stability to your home or porch. Mortar is a malleable paste that is used to bind bricks, stone and concrete blocks to one another during construction. When dried, it fills in the gaps between the wall’s units, helping to distribute the wall’s weight more evenly and, thus, making the wall itself stronger. Like most things, however, mortar deteriorates over time. Eventually, weather and age wear away mortar, leaving voids between the wall’s individual units. Replacing all missing and weakened mortar restores the wall’s strength so that it doesn’t bulge, crack or eventually collapse.
It Deters Water Damage
Repointing brick also prevents water damage, one of the biggest threats to a home or building. As mentioned, mortar seals the joints between a wall’s building units. It doesn’t just make the wall stronger, though; it also protects the wall, as well as the building inside. When applied correctly, mortar keeps rain and other debris from entering the home. If there is missing or degraded mortar, water can seep through the wall and cause serious damage. Not only can rain erode the integrity of a building’s structure, it can also provoke harmful fungal growth that precipitates numerous serious health conditions.
It Provides Insulation
If restoring stability to your home and preventing further damage aren’t enough reasons to repair missing or damaged mortar in your wall, then consider your home’s ability to keep you warm. If you have gaps between the bricks or stones in your wall, you’re leaking valuable heat from the interior of your home. Repointing brick works to keep your house insulated, saving you money on your monthly utility bills!
It Prevents the Need for More Expensive Repairs
And speaking of saving money: repointing brick is a good way to prevent more expensive repairs down the road. It’s a lot easier (and cheaper) to fill in some missing mortar than it is to erect a whole new wall or mitigate and restore a home that’s been damaged by water.
It Improves Curb Appeal
Finally, repointing brick just makes your home look better! Applying fresh, clean mortar is a simple way to refresh your home’s exterior appearance and keep it on par with neighboring homes.
Want to Learn More?
To learn more about repointing brick and how it adds value to your home, please contact Brickworks Property Restoration. Our experts can help you assess your home’s own masonry repair needs so that it is safe, as well as visually pleasing for years to come.
5 Tips for Burning Your First Fire of the Year
Nothing creates ambiance in the chilly winter months like warming your home with a fireplace. If you’re ready to burn your fireplace for the first time this winter, it’s important to take a few precautions in order to ensure that you are able to keep your family and your home safe.
Here are 5 important tips for burning your first fire of the year - and ensuring that you are doing so safely.
1. Make Sure Your Fireplace is Clear
Before burning your first fire, make sure that your fireplace is free and clear of any animals and leaves. This can be done by opening up your fireplace flue and shining a flashlight to ensure that you can clearly see out of the top. Additionally, you should check to make sure that there are no branches stuck inside your fireplace, as this can inhibit the flow of air out of the chimney, causing a major fire hazard.
2. Inspect the Flue
Inspect your flue and the interior system of your fireplace to ensure that there is no excessive damage or any open cracks. Making sure that nothing looks abnormal on the fireplace’s exterior and interior can help to ensure that a fire will burn safely. If anything looks out of the ordinary, be sure to pay closer attention to this area, and contact professionals if you think you are dealing with a problem.
3. Check for Creosote
Check inside your fireplace for creosote; aka the grime that collects inside your fireplace. Creosote is often black and can appear fluffy, shiny, or even gummy. If you notice creosote inside your fireplace, DO NOT BURN a fire! This is extremely dangerous. Consult a professional chimney company.
4. Clean Your Fireplace
Ahead of your first fire of the winter, take the time to clean out your ash dump door (or the door inside your fireplace where the ashes fall when burning). Most professional sweeping companies will not take the time to clean dump doors out, leaving many homeowners responsible for this task in order to ensure a safe burn. Use a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner such as a ShopVac to make sure your fireplace is clean, including your ash dump door and above your smoke shelf.
5. Double Check Your Smoke Alarms
One of the most important precautions you can take ahead of burning your first fire is to ensure that you have working smoke detectors in all rooms of your home that are near your fireplace. Bear in mind that, although using a fireplace might seem like no big deal, you are intentionally lighting a fire in your home and attempting to keep it controlled - this means that having working smoke alarms is important.
Maintaining a fireplace and taking safety precautions ahead of your first fire takes a lot of consideration and hard work in order to protect yourself, your family, and your home. If you find that this level of preparation and maintenance is too much, contact Brickworks. From chimney repair to debris removal, our team of experts is here to help get your fireplace ready for the season.
What is a Lintel and Why Should I Maintain It?
A lintel is a beam that has been placed on the top of a door or window to support the weight of the building materials above it. It’s a very common structural element and can be made using a variety of materials, including (but, of course, not limited to) timber, brick, concrete, steel, and stone. Here’s why you should know the answer to “What is a lintel?”
What is a Lintel Used For?
As mentioned, lintels are a ubiquitous part of construction. Windows, doors, fireplaces, and other types of wall openings are not designed to provide structural support. Thus, when they are added to a building, the surrounding walls of that building must be reinforced to account for the concentrated load bearing down at each opening point. Adding a lintel horizontally across the top of a wall opening helps distribute the weight of the building more evenly, thus alleviating the burden on the door or window’s vacant space. It also protects the building (especially those built using masonry materials) against wind, earthquakes, and other lateral load-bearing events. And in some instances, lintels are used for a two-fold purpose, not simply buttressing the building itself, but adding a decorative touch to it.
Why You Need to Maintain Lintels
Failing to install and/or maintain the correct type of lintels exposes your home to several potential catastrophes. You should inspect your property, especially the lintels surrounding your doors, window, and fireplaces, in order to:
- To Protect the Structural Integrity of Your Home — Lintels provide structural stability to your home. If you don’t keep them well-maintained, your walls could literally fall down around you!
- To Preserve the Functionality of Your Windows and Doors — Lintels also protect the opening in your walls, allowing whatever occupies that space (window, door, fireplace, etc.) to remain sturdy and to function as intended.
- To Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal — Of course, part of your home’s aesthetics rely on the building itself being free of architectural flaws. Don’t dilute your home’s curb appeal by allowing sightly cracks, rust or other corrosion to settle in your lintels.
- To Defend Your Home Against Water Damage — Water can seep into a home through the tiniest defect, creating a host of problems that range from cosmetic issues to mold and mildew growth and other serious structural damage that is hard to repair.
- To Save Money — Needless to say, maintaining your lintels ultimately saves you money. A rotten, cracked or otherwise deteriorated lintel can be expensive to replace. Save yourself the headache and some cash by looking for and fixing small problems before they require total renovation.
Want to Learn More?
“What is a lintel?” is an important question, and one that all homeowners should know how to answer. Lintels protect the overall structure of your home, as well as the stability of all your wall openings. Don’t risk the integrity of your doors, windows and fireplaces or your home itself by failing to maintain your lintels. Our team here at Brickworks Property Restoration can help you better understand the value of lintels and how best to repair them should you ever encounter a problem with them. Please contact us today.
