Why Brick Repairs Fail in Nashville — and How to Make Them Last

Why Brick Repair Failures Are Common in Middle Tennessee

Nashville homes face conditions that many regions don’t:

• Expansive clay-heavy soil that swells and shrinks
• Seasonal freeze-thaw cycles that stress mortar joints
• Heavy rainfall that penetrates failing mortar
• Older homes with outdated construction methods

Brick is durable — but brick systems move, and repairs must account for that movement.

The Most Common Reasons Brick Repairs Fail in Nashville

1. Foundation Movement Was Never Addressed

Many brick cracks are symptoms, not the real problem. If a repair doesn’t account for:

• Foundation settling
• Soil expansion
• Poor base preparation

…the brick will crack again — often in the same location.

Warning sign: Stair-step cracks, widening gaps, or recurring cracks near foundations.

2. The Wrong Mortar Was Used

This is one of the biggest mistakes we see. Modern, hard mortars are often used on:

• Older homes
• Historic brick
• Softer masonry materials

Hard mortar doesn’t flex — so the brick cracks instead.

Correct approach: Use a mortar that’s slightly softer than the brick, allowing movement without damage.

3. Repointing Was Done Incorrectly

Not all mortar replacement is equal. Common repointing mistakes:

• Shallow mortar removal
• Mortar smeared over damaged joints
• Cosmetic “patching” instead of structural repair

These shortcuts trap moisture and accelerate failure.

4. Water Intrusion Was Ignored

Water is masonry’s silent enemy. Failed brick repairs often result from:

• Poor grading around the home
• Missing or clogged drainage
• Unsealed brick surfaces
• Cracked coping or caps

Moisture freezes, expands, and breaks mortar from the inside out.

5. Brick Was Replaced Without Matching Materials

When replacement bricks don’t match:

• Density
• Absorption rate
• Size or firing method

…they expand and contract differently, stressing surrounding masonry.

This is especially common in brick mailboxes, columns, and older Nashville homes.

How to Tell If a Brick Repair Is Failing

Homeowners often search:

“Why is my brick cracking again?”
“Is it normal for repaired brick to crack?”

Signs your repair didn’t hold:

• Cracks reopening in the same location
• Mortar crumbling or falling out
• Brick faces popping or flaking
• Leaning walls or columns
• Gaps forming after rain or temperature swings

How to Make Brick Repairs Last in Nashville (The Right Way)

Step 1: Identify the Root Cause

Before touching the brick, a professional mason should evaluate:

• Foundation movement
• Drainage patterns
• Soil conditions
• Age and type of brick

This step is often skipped — and it’s why repairs fail.

Step 2: Use the Correct Mortar Mix

Proper mortar selection depends on:

• Brick age and hardness
• Exposure to moisture
• Load-bearing vs decorative use

In Nashville, matching mortar flexibility is critical.

Step 3: Perform Full-Depth Repointing

Long-lasting repairs require:

• Removing deteriorated mortar to proper depth
• Cleaning joints thoroughly
• Packing joints correctly
• Tooling joints to shed water

This restores both strength and appearance.

Step 4: Improve Drainage & Moisture Control

Long-term success often includes:

• Grading corrections
• Drainage improvements
• Sealing brick surfaces
• Repairing caps and coping stones

These steps prevent repeat damage.

Step 5: Match Brick and Materials Precisely

Experienced masons source:

• Proper brick size and density
• Matching color and texture
• Compatible materials for the surrounding structure

This prevents stress fractures and premature wear.

Brick Repair vs. Brick Replacement: Which Is Better?

Sometimes repair isn’t enough.

Brick Repair Works Best When:

• Damage is localized
• Structure is stable
• Mortar failure is the primary issue

Brick Replacement Is Better When:

• Brick units are severely cracked
• Walls are leaning
• Structural integrity is compromised
• Previous repairs have repeatedly failed

A professional evaluation saves money long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)