What You’re Seeing Might Be More Serious Than You Think
We’re seeing more and more newly built homes with serious brickwork issues—often caused by poor bricklaying or harsh brick cleaning methods. What might look like a bit of crumbling mortar or surface staining can sometimes point to deeper problems with how the home was built.
In some cases, these defects have led to major structural damage—including brick walls collapsing—not just cosmetic flaws.
As licensed builders with specialised knowledge in mortar, brick staining, and cleaning practices, we know how important it is to get these things right. If they’re done wrong, it can affect both the safety and the long-term value of your home.
We’re here to help you uncover what’s really going on—and support you with expert advice, testing, and repairs if needed—so you can protect your home and your peace of mind.
What Is Mortar Testing — and Why Might You Need It?
When something isn’t right with your brickwork—like cracking, crumbling, or staining—it’s often not just a surface issue. One of the most reliable ways to find out what’s really going on is through chemical testing of the mortar.
As part of our service, we organise this testing through trusted, accredited laboratories. It might sound technical, but here’s what it really means for you: a small mortar sample is broken down and analysed to see exactly what it's made of—how much cement, lime, and sand were used, and whether any additives or harsh cleaning acids (which often cause damage) are present.
This test tells us if the mortar used in your home meets Australian building standards. More importantly, it helps pinpoint whether poor workmanship, wrong materials, or careless cleaning is to blame.
We provide you with a clear, builder-backed report you can use to take further action—whether that’s speaking to your builder, submitting a warranty claim, or resolving a legal dispute. We’re experienced in preparing reports for VCAT and other legal settings, but just as often, our goal is to get things fixed before it ever gets to that point.
Chemical testing can even be done during construction if you’re still building—which is a great way to catch problems early. But even if your home is already finished, it’s never too late to understand what’s gone wrong and how to make it right.
What About the Scratch Test?
Some people might suggest doing a “scratch test” to check the mortar’s strength—but we want you to know it has serious limits.
The scratch test only measures surface hardness. It doesn’t tell you what the mortar is actually made of, and it often gives false reassurance, especially on uneven surfaces or decorative brickwork. We’ve seen very weak mortar still pass this test, which is why it should never be relied on by itself.
If you're serious about getting answers—and results—we recommend chemical testing as the most accurate and reliable option.
