Eroded Mortar in External Walls
Eroded Mortar in External Walls is a critical structural defect SURE inspectors have documented across 281 inspection reports. Highest concentration in Thornlie.
Causes
- Deterioration due to age or lack of upkeep/maintenance
- Mortar erosion between brickwork foundation blocks
- Deterioration due to weathering and age
- Water waste at the rear extension
- Lack of protective measures
Symptoms to look for
- Mortar eroded between foundation wall brickwork and rear extension
- Mortar missing or deteriorated between bricks of a column/post.
- Visible erosion of mortar between bricks
- Eroded mortar joints between bricks
- Eroded mortar between brickwork
Remedies
- Engage a bricklayer for repairs.
- Contact a licensed bricklayer and/or roof plumber for repairs
- Consider capping remaining exposed areas with flashing
- Contact a licensed bricklayer for repairs
- Engage a qualified bricklayer for advice and repairs
Where we see this most
These suburbs show the highest concentration of eroded mortar in external walls in our inspection data (minimum five observations). Click a suburb to see its full defect profile.
Get an inspector through this property.
Findings in this category skew high severity. If you are under contract, we can usually book inside the cooling-off window. Every inspection includes 12 months of free advice.
Curated entries in Structural
- Curated 1–5/5External Wall Cracking Due to Settlement
Cracks in external masonry walls caused by ground movement or differential settlement of the footing system. Most observations are Category 0–2 under the BCA/AS 2870 scale (hairline to 5mm width) and represent cosmetic or minor structural concern, but a small proportion progress to Category 3–5 where structural engineer involvement is required. The crack pattern, location, and change over time determine whether this is a maintenance item or a structural event.
- Curated 1–4/5Obstructed Roof Void due to Insulation
Insulation, HVAC ducting, sarking, or stored items in the roof void prevent a complete inspection of ceiling joists and surrounding timbers. Our inspectors record this limitation because the obstructed zone could harbour undetected timber pest activity, moisture damage, or structural defects - none of which can be reported without visual access.
- Curated 1–5/5Restricted Roof Void Access due to Insulation
Insulation, sarking, HVAC ducting, or low clearance in the roof void prevents a complete visual inspection of ceiling joists, top plates, and perimeter timbers. When these areas are inaccessible, our inspectors cannot confirm whether timber pest activity, moisture damage, or structural defects are present - the limitation itself is a finding that the buyer needs to understand.
- Curated 1–5/5Timber Fungal Decay (Rot) in Fascia and Barge Boards
Fungal decay (wet rot or dry rot) in fascia and barge boards develops when timber is repeatedly wetted and unable to dry out - typically where paint has failed, where roof drainage is defective, or where the boards are end-grain exposed. Left unchecked it spreads into adjacent framing and rafter tails, converting a cosmetic repair into structural work.
- Curated 1–5/5Patched Wall Cracks
Previously cracked walls that have been patched or filled indicate prior ground movement or settlement. While the cosmetic repair may look sound at the time of inspection, the underlying cause - reactive soil movement, differential settlement, or footing inadequacy - may not have been addressed. Patched cracks that re-open signal ongoing movement and warrant structural assessment under AS 2870.
- Curated 1–5/5Leaning Fence Sections
Fence sections leaning out of plumb indicate post footing failure, material deterioration, or soil movement. A significantly leaning fence poses a safety risk - particularly for children - and will continue to worsen without intervention.