Damage to brick wall from salt, in Mount Gravatt, a Southern suburb of Brisbane. By Peter Weddell, owner/operator of Qld Home Buyers Inspection Service:
Salt damage to brick wall. This can occur from the type of soil in the area. Also refer to my free information downloads regarding salt attack, for more information.
Causes of deterioration to mortar between bricks:
This problem can also occur from rising damp and salts in the soil, lack of and/or inadequate damp-course barriers, hosing of plants near the brick walls also pool water, may also cause this problem
Coloring that has been added to the mortar blend when constructing a house can also cause deterioration of mortar. Too much coloring in the mix can weaken the mortar over time.
Rectification:
Chemical barriers: This requires drilling into the bricks and injecting a chemical barrier that penetrates the bricks.
Replacement of the damp-course barrier: This method is very costly as the bricks and mortar must be removed.
Consult an expert that specializes in rising damp for advice on most effective method of rectification to stop further deterioration also guarantees and over what period.