What causes wall damage in a house?

Wall damage in a house can come from a mix of structural movement, moisture, and material decay. Settling foundations, tree roots, or thermal movement may cause cracks in brickwork or render. Moisture penetration—through damaged mortar, blocked gutters, or failed waterproofing—promotes salt leaching, frost damage, and rot in embedded timbers. External mechanical damage (impact or vehicle strikes) and poor initial construction also contribute to deterioration. Regular visual checks of mortar joints, cracks, and damp patches help catch problems before they become more extensive.

Older brickwork often shows hairline cracks that are cosmetic, but widening cracks, stair-step patterns, or bulging walls suggest more serious structural issues. Observing patterns over time and noting any change after heavy rain can help distinguish active movement from stable defects.

How does cavity wall and insulation affect repairs?

Cavity wall construction is common in modern houses and aims to prevent moisture transfer from outer to inner leaves. When a cavity becomes bridged by debris, mortar droppings, or poor insulation installation, moisture can cross over and affect internal finishes. Insulation retrofits need careful planning: injected cavity insulation can improve thermal performance but may hide moisture sources or exacerbate damp if the cavity is compromised.

Inspection of cavity walls often requires specialist tools such as borescopes or thermal imaging to check for insulation gaps, cold bridging, or damp pathways. Where insulation has become wet, it may lose effectiveness and should be replaced or supplemented with drying and improved ventilation.

When is a building’s brickwork in need of repair?

Determining when brickwork requires repair depends on severity and cause. Repointing mortar joints is a common maintenance task when mortar has eroded, allowing elemental ingress. Loose or spalled bricks, deep cracks, or bulging sections indicate the need for repair or replacement of bricks and possible tie replacement in cavity walls. Frost-damaged bricks should be addressed because ongoing freeze-thaw cycles will accelerate decay.

You may celebrate whitish salt deposits on brick faces—known as efflorescence—when salts leach from within the wall; though benign in itself, it signals moisture movement and potential underlying issues. Proper diagnosis may involve moisture testing, and repairs can range from selective brick replacement to improved drainage and damp-proofing, depending on the root cause.

How to address damp, rising damp, and salt leaching in walls?

Damp issues require identifying the source: penetrating damp from outside, rising damp from the ground, or internal condensation. For penetrating damp, repairs typically focus on external defects—repointing mortar, repairing flashings, clearing gutters, and restoring render. Rising damp diagnosis can involve measuring salt levels and moisture profiles; where rising damp is confirmed, installing or repairing a damp-proof course and replacing affected plaster are common remedies.

Salt leaching leaves white patches and can prevent new plaster or coatings from adhering. After drying and removing salt-contaminated finishes, use salt-retardant render or breathable finishes that allow moisture to evaporate. Improving external drainage and ensuring cavity walls remain clear also reduces the chance of repeat salt contamination.

How to choose local services for wall repair in your area?

Selecting the right local services involves checking credentials, experience with similar wall types, and evidence of proper insurance. Look for contractors who can provide a written scope, visual examples of previous work, and references. For cavity wall, insulation, or structural brickwork, consider firms that work with independent surveyors or can coordinate with structural engineers when needed.

Request moisture surveys or thermal imaging reports for contested issues; clear communication about warranties, materials, and timescales helps set expectations. Use local services with a track record in your area and ask for explanations of trade-offs, such as breathable vs. cementitious renders, and how proposed repairs will affect insulation and indoor humidity.

Conclusion

Wall repair spans straightforward maintenance like repointing to more complex interventions involving cavity insulation or structural stabilization. Effective outcomes depend on accurate diagnosis—distinguishing moisture sources, assessing structural movement, and understanding how insulation and cavity design interact with repairs. Regular inspections, timely remedial work, and choosing experienced local services can reduce long-term costs and preserve the performance and appearance of walls in houses and buildings.