What Causes Brick to Crack on Stair Steps?

About Brick

• Brick is a substantial building material prized for its longevity and good looks. Using brick for construction costs considerably more than other materials such as wood or concrete, but brick requires almost no maintenance over the long term. Brick can withstand the wear of heavy foot traffic, such as on front or back stair steps, and keep its attractive appearance. Generally, brick surfaces increase the value of homes because of its endurance and low-maintenance qualities.

Moisture Intrusion

• Small cracks can form in the surfaces of brick from normal settling of the weight on the soil or foundation. Water from rain then invades the cracks. Snow and ice can also intrude, causing freezing and thawing cycles that cause the cracks to widen over time. Any crack over 1/16-inch wide, which is about the width of a dime, should be repaired to prevent accidents and additional damage to the brick, according to the BrickDr website.

Settling Problems

• Brick adds considerable weight to foundation areas where it is installed. Depending on the composition of the soil, swelling can occur that puts pressure on the brick and mortar, causing cracks to develop. The soil structure, which is the components that make up the soil where the construction is done, also might not contain sufficient compounds to adequately support the heavy weight of the stair steps or other structure. Shifting can then occur, causing cracks in the mortar or the brick itself. A good foundation for brickwork is important to the longevity of the material. Areas that see seismic activity from earthquakes often see considerable damage to brick structures.

Impacts

• Though hard and durable, brick is not immune to damage from impact. Heavy moving equipment, trees falling in storms, windblown objects during hurricanes, flooding and impacts from other falling structures can cause nicks and cracks in brick stair steps. Damage should be evaluated by a qualified masonry contractor as soon as possible to prevent the damage from becoming more extensive. Brickwork repairs can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to tackle small problems before they become large, costly repairs.