Why Is There Dust At The Base Of My Brick Wall?
Have you noticed fine orange or sandy dust at the base of your brick walls? Or maybe the mortar between your bricks is cracking, falling out, or even turning to powder?
If so, you’re not alone. This is a common problem in many Perth homes — particularly those built between the late 1980s and mid-1990s.
Let’s take a look at what’s going on, and why it’s happening.
What Causes Mortar to Fall Out or Turn to Dust?
There are several reasons mortar may start to fail, especially in WA’s unique climate and soil conditions.
1. Natural Weathering Over Time
Perth’s harsh sun, heat, and occasional heavy rain put a lot of pressure on brickwork. Over time, UV exposure, moisture, and salt attack break down the mortar especially in homes with poor drainage or irrigation near walls.
2. Rising Damp & Salt Crystallisation (Fretting Mortar)
When moisture travels up from the ground, it often brings salts with it. These salts then crystallise inside the mortar, pushing it apart from within. This causes crumbling, dusting, and eventually visible gaps in the joints.
3. Structural Movement
Clay soils in Perth are highly reactive. During wet and dry periods, the soil expands and contracts, putting pressure on footings and walls. This can cause hairline cracks and weak points in mortar that eventually crumble.
Perth Homes Built Between 1989 and 1995 – A Known Issue
If your home was built during this period, you may be dealing with more than just wear and tear. In fact, many homes from this era across Perth are experiencing widespread mortar failure and here’s why.
What Went Wrong?
Cement Supply & Mix Issues:
There were long standing concerns in the industry about the quality and consistency of cement used during this time. Some tradespeople also reported that mix ratios weren’t always ideal resulting in mortar that was too strong, too brittle, or too quick to dry out.
Unregulated Additives (Including Detergent):
In an attempt to make mortar smoother and easier to work with, some trades at the time were known to add dishwashing liquid or similar substances as a plasticiser. While this helped with workability, it compromised long-term strength. It’s not a practice used by professionals today, but it was not uncommon during the time.
Poor Curing Conditions:
Fast-paced construction and Perth’s dry heat meant that mortar often dried too quickly without proper curing, leading to cracking and early failure.
Can It Be Fixed? Absolutely.
At Bricks Fix WA, we see this problem weekly — and we have a reliable solution:
Proper Diagnosis:
We inspect your walls to determine the cause (age, moisture, movement, or historical mix issues).
Repointing:
We rake out the damaged mortar and refill it with a properly mixed, breathable mortar that suits the age and type of your home. This is called mortar pointing or mortar repointing.
Moisture Management:
We’ll give you advice on how to reduce rising damp, fix drainage, and avoid common causes of mortar failure moving forward.
Why Choose Bricks Fix WA?
We’re specialists in heritage brick restoration and modern brick repairs, servicing all of Perth and surrounding areas. Whether it’s a Federation-era home, a 1990s build, or a contemporary property we treat every job with care and attention to detail.
You’ll deal with the same person from quote to completion, and none of our work is subcontracted.
Let’s Take a Look
If you’re worried about your mortar falling out, don’t wait until bricks start coming loose or water starts getting in.
Contact Marcus at Bricks Fix WA for a free inspection and quote.