Brick, a classic and long-lasting building material, poses some unique problems for older houses. The damage happens when factors such as weather, moisture, and slight changes in support accumulate to accelerate the breakdown of brickwork. To keep the brick exterior of your house in good condition, don’t neglect its upkeep. If you do not let things go or carry out preventive maintenance measures, your home’s brickwork will degrade and need repair and repointing sooner rather than later. Here are some simple hacks that you should follow to ensure a longer lifespan for your aging bricks.
Inspect and Repair Mortar Joints
Over time, the mortar joints between bricks may come away so that they bolt together. This will result in instability and water penetration. Therefore, repointing, which is replacing deteriorated mortar with fresh mortar, becomes a very important part of maintaining brickwork. Use a mortar mix to match the original to maintain structural integrity and aesthetic consistency.
Seal and Waterproof
A breathable masonry sealer can protect bricks from moisture while allowing trapped water to escape. Non-breathable sealants should be avoided, as they can trap moisture in the bricks, causing flaking or crumbling.
Controlling Water Drainage
If your drainage is poor, bricks can deteriorate even faster. You should, therefore, check all the gutters and downpipes to ensure they are functioning correctly and carrying water well away from your home’s foundation. A proper grading system around the house can also stop pools of water from developing anywhere, leading to even more moisture being drawn up from below into bricks.
Deal with Efflorescence
The white powdery residue on bricks indicates these water-soluble salts coming onto the surface. To reduce or avoid this phenomenon, consider where and what might be causing your brick structure’s tremendous Saturation and moisture release.
Preventing Freeze-Thaw Damage
In cold climates, water penetrates the brick, freezes and expands, and then breaks open along hairline gaps. Regularly look for short, superficial cracks and repair them promptly to prevent further damage. Do not use de-icing salts near brick surfaces- the chemicals contribute to deterioration.
Maintain Structural Soundness
Over time, changes in the soil beneath the foundation, as well as Earth movement and minor tectonic shifts, can produce many small faults, which result in vulnerable spots for bricks. If you see significant cracking or bulging walls, try consulting an architect, civil engineer, or professional mason to inspect and strengthen the structure.
Gently Cleaning Bricks
Bricks look better when they’ve been cleaned. However, potent cleaning agents such as machine blasting can also damage them. Indeed, it is better to use a mild, soapy solution and soft, low-pressure washes, removing dirt and stains from the surface without harming your precious brickwork.
Halt Vegetation Growth
Climbing vines and plants growing in crevices may indeed be attractive, but they also undermine the strength of brick walls by trapping moisture. Periodically cut back or remove plant life near brick surfaces to avoid moisture accumulation and root invasion that can cause further damage.
Conclusion
Older homes with a brick facade have been maintained with diligent care for their longevity and beauty at your fingertips. These precautions will keep your bricks in tip-top shape and avoid expensive repairs. If you have any doubts about the state of your brickwork, get a professional mason to give it a complete check-up and layout rupture plans. If you are interested in brick repair and restoration service from the experts, please feel free to call us at Reinforced Concrete.