All about masonry and preventing lintel deterioration
When it comes to maintaining masonry there is a lot to keep in mind. Years of unpredictable and possibly harsh weather and other sorts of wear and tear can do a number on everything from brick and mortar to pavement and lintels. In fact, lintel deterioration is not uncommon. To learn about how to tackle lintel deterioration the right way, read on.
What Is A Lintel?
Masonry over the windows and doors of your building is supported by steel sections. These steel support sections are called lintels. They are what is attached above the windows and doors of building to act as a functional masonry shelf. Lintel, like brick, is highly durable. However, even the strongest of materials does not last forever, and over time lintel deterioration is a definite concern.
How To Detect Lintel Deterioration
Deterioration occurs in the visible form of severe oxidization. This is simply rust corrosion. If left untreated, rust build up on lintels can cause them to dramatically expand. Severe neglect can lead to them becoming up to ten times their original size. This makes the lintels weak, compromises their integrity, and contributes to adding potentially damaging pressure on masonry units. Look for cracks in the upper bricks or corners, bowing over windows and doors, and even the displacement of bricks and stones in severe cases. If you catch it early enough, only one or two of these issues will be minorly present.
Catching It Early Is Key
Like most problems in life, ignoring the signs of lintel deterioration will only lead to worse problems later. As the weight continues to be piled on parts of your masonry incorrectly, it can eventually have expensive and incredibly damaging effects on the entire structure of a building. Fixing it early will be easier and lead to a less invasive and costly remediation process overall.
The Right Professionals Get The Job Done Right
If you are ready to upgrade your landscaping and hardscaping, Del Prete Masonry has the experience and expertise to get the job done right for the right price. To explore our residential and commercial services and set up a consultation, please give us a call at 410-683-0650 or contact us online. We currently serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and get more updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.