Phone answered 24/7 · Portland, OR and nearby communities

Call 24/7: (503) 224-3149
Multnomah County Water ResponseWater Damage Help · Portland, OR

What Are the Signs of Storm Damage to Exterior Brick Walls?

Last updated October 23, 2026

Call Now (503) 224-3149

The short answer

Visible Cracks and Displacement

High winds or impacts from debris during a storm can cause bricks to crack, chip, or even become dislodged. Look for spalling, where the brick's surface flakes away, leaving a rough, pitted texture. Mortar joints may also show significant deterioration, appearing crumbly or missing in sections. These openings are direct pathways for water to enter the wall system and the structure behind it.

A bulge in the wall is a serious warning sign, often indicating that the metal wall ties anchoring the brick to the frame have corroded or failed. This failure is frequently accelerated by chronic water penetration from past storms. This type of damage compromises structural integrity and requires a professional assessment. Ignoring it can lead to a partial or complete wall collapse.

Signs of Water Intrusion and Staining

Water stains on bricks, often dark and streaky, are a clear indicator of recent moisture exposure. Efflorescence, a white crystalline or powdery deposit on the surface, forms when water moving through the brick evaporates and leaves behind mineral salts. While efflorescence itself is not structural damage, it is a reliable marker that water is actively moving through your masonry.

Persistent dampness can lead to mold or algae growth, especially in shaded areas of the wall. Inside your home, be alert for corresponding damp spots, peeling paint, or warping on walls that back up to the brick exterior. This internal moisture confirms that the brick's weather-resistant barrier has been compromised, allowing water to reach your home's framing and insulation.

Inspecting After Specific Storm Events

After a hailstorm, check for small, round pockmarks or dings on the brick surface where stones have struck. These impacts can fracture the brick's hard outer layer, making it more porous and susceptible to future water damage. High-velocity wind can drive rain sideways with enough force to push water through even small, pre-existing cracks in the mortar or brick.

Fallen tree limbs or other airborne debris can leave significant gouges or cracks. The force of an impact can also jar bricks loose from their mortar beds. It's wise to do a thorough visual inspection from the ground after any major storm. For a complete assessment, especially for higher sections of the wall, you should consult local water damage pros.

Immediate Steps to Take After Discovering Damage

Your first priority is safety. If you see a significant bulge, large cracks, or loose bricks that could fall, keep a safe distance from that area of the wall. Temporarily cover any holes or gaps from the inside with plastic sheeting and tape to prevent further water intrusion until permanent repairs can be made. Move any valuable items away from the affected interior wall.

Document all damage with clear photographs from multiple angles before making any temporary repairs. This visual record is crucial for your insurance claim. Contact your insurance provider to report the damage and understand your next steps. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Then, seek a professional evaluation to determine the full extent of the problem.

When to Call for Professional Help

Any structural concern, like bulging walls, major cracking, or instability, requires an immediate professional evaluation. Water damage behind brick walls is often more extensive than it appears on the surface. Local water damage pros have the tools, like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras, to detect hidden moisture within the wall cavity and assess the condition of the wooden structure behind the brick.

Neglecting storm damage to brickwork leads to escalating problems, including rot in wall studs, damaged insulation, and persistent mold growth. A professional restoration plan addresses both the visible masonry repair and the hidden water damage. This comprehensive approach prevents recurring issues and protects your home's value and safety. Getting a proper assessment is an investment in your property's long-term health.

  • Extensive cracking or missing bricks.
  • Any bulging or bowing in the wall line.
  • Persistent interior water stains or dampness.
  • Signs of widespread mortar deterioration (repointing needed).
  • Suspected damage to the structural sheathing or frame.
  • Water intrusion recurring after every rainstorm.

Talk to someone now

Phones are answered 24/7 for Portland and nearby communities.

Call Now (503) 224-3149

Frequently asked questions

Can I repair cracked mortar joints myself?

Small, superficial repointing jobs on low, accessible areas might be a DIY project with the right tools and mortar mix. However, for widespread damage, higher walls, or if water intrusion is suspected, professional repair is advised to ensure a proper, lasting seal and to address any hidden issues.

How quickly should storm damage to brick be addressed?

Act quickly to prevent secondary damage. Water entering through cracks can quickly lead to rot, mold, and insulation damage inside your walls. While the bricks themselves may dry, the trapped moisture behind them will not, causing deterioration of your home's wooden structure over time.

Does homeowners insurance cover brick repair from storm damage?

Most standard policies cover sudden, accidental damage from events like windstorms or hail. However, they typically exclude damage from lack of maintenance or gradual wear. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Document the damage thoroughly and report it to your insurance company for clarification.

Call Now (503) 224-3149