Knoxville Brick & Lintel Repair

Protect Your Home with Brick & Lintel Repair Services

Knoxville’s unique climate—marked by four distinct seasons with humid summers and occasional winter snow—presents specific challenges for homeowners. The constant cycle of moisture and temperature fluctuations stresses bricks and mortar, leading to cracks, water infiltration, and potential foundation issues. Left unchecked, these seemingly minor imperfections can escalate into costly structural problems that affect your home's stability and aesthetic value.

Structural integrity and visual appeal are interconnected. Cracked bricks, damaged mortar, or sagging lintels mar the look of your property and signal deeper, underlying issues. Timely, professional repair protects your home from the elements, preserving its value and functionality.

At United Structural Systems, we bring over 30 years of experience serving the community and the surrounding areas, addressing everything from cracked brick facades to failing garage lintels. Our services go beyond surface-level fixes. We address the root causes of issues, such as water intrusion or shifting foundations due to erosion or other soil conditions. Our team is known for open communication, keeping homeowners informed every step of the way, and following through on our promises to deliver high-quality, durable repairs.

Whether your garage lintel is sagging or cracks have appeared in your brick walls, we have the skills to help restore your home’s strength. Call us at (423) 592-7950 or message us online to schedule a consultation.

Identifying the Root Cause of Cracked Bricks

Cracked bricks on the exterior of your home are more than a cosmetic issue—they often signal deeper structural problems. Simply covering up the damage with surface repairs is insufficient. For lasting results, homeowners need a comprehensive approach that targets the issue's symptoms and root causes.

Bricks can crack for several reasons, but water infiltration and foundation movement are among the most common culprits. When soil absorbs moisture, it expands, causing the foundation to shift. As the soil dries out, it contracts, resulting in uneven settling. Cracks in bricks are often the first visible sign that your foundation may be compromised.

Attempting to mask these cracks with cosmetic fixes offers only temporary relief. A deeper inspection is necessary to uncover any issues with the foundation, water filtration, or drainage systems contributing to the problem. Without resolving these underlying issues, homeowners risk ongoing structural deterioration, which can lead to more costly repairs.

Performing Mortar Repair with Tuckpointing

Cracked or deteriorated mortar detracts from your home’s appearance and leaves it vulnerable to water damage. We use a technique known as tuckpointing, which can help restore your masonry’s durability and visual appeal, protecting it from future damage.

Tuckpointing involves carefully removing deteriorated mortar and refilling the joints with fresh cement. This repair method strengthens the structure while enhancing its appearance. Beyond aesthetics, tuckpointing is crucial in preventing water penetration—a major cause of mortar degradation. Filling gaps with new, well-compacted mortar helps fortify the structure against further moisture intrusion.

Our tuckpointing process involves the following:

• Carefully removing damaged mortar: Our team begins by chiseling out the damaged mortar to help the new mortar bond.
• Filling with fresh cement: We refill the gaps with high-quality cement, which can restore the strength of your masonry.
• Replacing brick (when necessary): Sometimes, individual bricks may be too damaged to remain in place. When that happens, we can replace them with bricks that match the original as closely as possible. While color-matching depends on the home’s age and the availability of materials, we strive for a seamless, consistent look.

We believe that lasting repairs begin with identifying and addressing underlying structural issues. That’s why we offer tuckpointing as part of a broader foundation repair service—not a standalone option. Before tuckpointing, we thoroughly inspect your foundation for movement or water infiltration signs.