You spent time and money on a new brick wall. It should be strong, safe, and beautiful. But now, only a few weeks or months later, you see cracks.
That’s not normal.
In this blog, we’ll explain
- Why cracks happen in new brick walls
- 5 signs something may be wrong
- What you can do next
- And how TheFixitGuys can help if your wall needs repair
1. Should a New Brick Wall Crack?
No.
A new brick wall should not have cracks, especially not in the first few months or even years.
Good brickwork can last for 50 to 100 years. If it starts cracking early, something may have gone wrong with the materials, the base, or the weather conditions during and after the work.
But don’t worry. not all cracks are dangerous. Some are small and easy to fix. Let’s go over what to look for.
2. Why Does a Brick Wall Start Cracking?
Even if your wall is new, there are many reasons cracks can appear:
✅ Natural Movement
Every home moves a little. The ground in Toronto freezes and thaws during winter and spring. This can cause small shifts that create cracks.
✅ Drying and Shrinking
When mortar (the grey paste between bricks) dries, it sometimes shrinks. This can cause thin surface cracks. These are not always serious, but they should be checked.
✅ Weather Conditions
Toronto weather is rough. If your wall was built during heavy rain or deep frost, the moisture or cold might have affected how the bricks and mortar set.
✅ Weak Support
Sometimes, the ground or base under a wall is too soft. If the base sinks even a little, the bricks above can shift and crack.
✅ Water and Salt
Water can slowly enter bricks through tiny holes. If it freezes inside, it expands, and that can break the brick from the inside. Salt from sidewalks can also cause damage.
5 Signs Your Brick Wall Needs Attention
Now let’s talk about the five signs you should watch for. These signs mean something might be wrong and the wall should be checked.
1️⃣ Thin Cracks Between the Bricks (Mortar Cracks)
These cracks go along the joints , where the mortar sits between bricks.
They may look small, but over time they can let water in. That water can freeze, expand, and make the crack worse.
Why it matters:
If left alone, this can lead to larger gaps and even bricks falling out.
2️⃣ Cracks That Go Through the Bricks (Not Just Mortar)
If you see cracks that cut right through the brick itself , not just the mortar , that’s a more serious sign.
Why it matters:
This often means pressure or movement is affecting the wall. The brick is trying to hold weight or stress it shouldn’t.
3️⃣ Stair-Step Cracks
This crack looks like a small staircase, moving up and across the bricks in a zigzag pattern.
Why it matters:
This usually means the ground is shifting under the wall, or water has made the base weak. It should be checked quickly.
4️⃣ Bricks Moving or Pulling Apart
Run your hand along the wall. If bricks feel loose, or you see small gaps where they used to touch, the wall is separating.
Why it matters:
Water can get inside, and the wall may slowly start to lean or fall.
5️⃣ White Powder or Stains on the Wall (Efflorescence)
You may see a white or grey powder on your bricks. This is called efflorescence. It means water is moving through the brick and leaving salt behind.
Why it matters:
Water is inside your wall ,and that means cracks, mold, or damage can happen soon.
4. What Should You Do Next?
If you see any of the 5 signs above, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:
✅ Take Photos
Before anything changes, take clear photos of all the cracks or problems. This helps track if the issue gets worse.
✅ Watch for Leaks
Check if any water is coming through the cracks when it rains. If yes, the wall needs fixing soon.
✅ Contact a Professional
You don’t need to know if the crack is serious or not. Just ask a skilled team like TheFixitGuys to check it for you.
We can inspect the wall, explain what’s happening, and suggest the best way to fix it.
5. How We Fix Cracks in Brick Walls
At TheFixitGuys, we don’t just cover the crack. We look at the full wall, the structure, the base, and the water flow around it. Our goal is to stop the crack and stop it from coming back.
Here are some ways we may fix your wall:
🧱 Tuckpointing
We remove weak or cracked mortar and refill it with new, strong mortar. This makes the wall stronger and stops water from getting in.
🧱 Brick Replacement
If some bricks are broken or shifting, we carefully take them out and install new bricks that match the old ones.
🧱 Crack Stitching
For serious cracks, we insert special rods or mesh inside the wall to hold everything in place from the inside. It’s hidden, but it works very well.
🧱 Waterproofing
If water is the cause, we may add a special coating or barrier to stop moisture from getting into the bricks again.
6. How to Avoid Future Cracks
You can’t always stop cracks from forming, but you can lower the risk. Here’s how:
✅ Keep water away from the base of your wall
✅ Fix small cracks before they grow
✅ Don’t use salt on brick steps , use sand instead
✅ Get your brickwork checked once every few years
Need Help? Call TheFixitGuys Today
We know that seeing cracks in your new wall can feel frustrating. But don’t worry , many of these problems are easy to fix if caught early.
At TheFixitGuys, we:
✅ Inspect brick walls across Toronto
✅ Explain everything in simple, clear words
✅ Use the best materials that handle Toronto’s tough weather
✅ Offer fast service, fair prices, and clean results
We care about doing the job right, not just hiding the problem.
📍 Based in Toronto
📞 Call now for a free inspection or quote
Let us take a look at your wall. We’ll give you real answers ,and real results.
