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One of the keys to preserving masonry is to recognize problems when they occur and to make the necessary repair. Most masonry products are built the same way. Masonry "units" - either bricks, concrete blocks or stones - are laid on beds of mortar (the mortar joints) and left to harden. These joints are designed to be weaker than the "units". This weakness ensures that the joints will deteriorate first, making it cheaper and easier to repair the masonry. Masonry is designed to react to the environment so that it will break down in three stages.
The three stages of degradation
- Bond breaks
Cracks develop parallel to the lines of the mortar joints. Cracks increase in density within a localized area. Water seeps into these cracks and causes further damage.
- Decomposition of joints
Cracks running perpendicular to the joints connect with the parallel cracks. Pieces of mortar joint at these intersections start falling. Water penetration gets worse. Bond breaks begin in surrounding areas of the wall.
- Unit failure
As mortar joints erode, damage spreads to the masonry "units." Faces of bricks spall (peel off), cracks develop in units, Units become loose. Damage accelerates rapidly.
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