EP 15: Brick Wall Cracks: Causes, Warning Signs & Repairs
Cracks in brick and masonry walls are one of the most common issues faced by property managers and building owners—but not all cracks mean the same thing.
In this episode of Technically Speaking, host Joe Shelton is joined by ETC engineer Dylan Saint-Leger to discuss the most common causes of masonry cracking, how to identify potentially serious structural issues, and the repair strategies used to address them.
The conversation covers everything from foundation settlement and expansive soils to thermal movement, corroding steel lintels, drainage failures, and wall tie deficiencies. Joe and Dylan also explain why some cracks are merely cosmetic while others may indicate significant safety concerns, including loose masonry, wall bowing, and falling brick hazards.
Whether you’re responsible for a commercial property, condominium, apartment building, or historic structure, this episode provides practical guidance on recognizing warning signs early and avoiding costly repairs down the road.
Listen in to learn how proper inspections, monitoring, and timely maintenance can help protect both your building and your budget.
Key Topics Covered
- Why brick masonry is prone to cracking
- Foundation settlement and expansive clay soils
- How thermal and moisture movement affect masonry walls
- The importance of control joints
- Corroded steel lintels and their impact on brick facades
- Wall ties and masonry anchorage systems
- Drainage failures, flashing, and weep systems
- Foundation wall cracking caused by hydrostatic pressure
- How to distinguish cosmetic cracks from structural concerns
- Warning signs including bowing walls, displacement, and loose brick
- Crack monitoring and investigative techniques
- Masonry repair options, repointing, brick replacement, and retrofit anchors
- Underpinning foundations with helical piers
- Why early intervention saves money and improves safety
Key Takeaways
- Not all cracks are serious, but all cracks deserve attention.
- Understanding the cause of a crack is essential before selecting a repair method.
- Repointing alone will not solve movement-related issues such as settlement.
- Corroded steel lintels are a common source of severe masonry distress.
- Water management systems behind masonry walls are critical to long-term performance.
- Building owners should monitor new or changing cracks and document them with photographs.
- Early identification of masonry issues can prevent major structural repairs and safety hazards.
About the Guest
Dylan Saint-Leger, P.E. is a registered professional engineer licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. With more than a decade of experience at ETC, Dylan specializes in building envelope investigations, structural assessments, and masonry restoration projects.
Suggested Episode Tags
Masonry, Brick Facades, Building Envelope, Structural Engineering, Property Management, Building Maintenance, Foundation Settlement, Construction, Building Inspections, Masonry Repair, Engineering Podcast, Commercial Real Estate, Building Owners, Facade Safety, ETC Engineering
