Why do the mortar joints closest to the ground always seem to wear out first on brick houses?
Answer
Because that lower section stays wet longer than the rest of the wall. We see it constantly in Waterford where snow, rain splash, and wet ground conditions keep soaking the bottom courses of brick throughout the year. Over time the mortar absorbs that moisture and starts crumbling apart faster than the upper areas. We remove the deteriorated joints and refill them properly so the wall isn’t constantly pulling moisture into those lower sections anymore. Homeowners usually notice it first near porches, garage walls, or areas where snow piles up during winter. If those lower joints are ignored too long, it can eventually lead to loose bricks and larger repair areas spreading across the base of the wall.
