Properly caring for your bricks will increase their longevity and boost their appearance.
Without a doubt, bricks are built to last a long time. They are seen everywhere, from walls to pavements, but bricks have their fair share of setbacks even with their usefulness. And in places with harsh winters and hot summers, bricks are prone to blemishes. We’ve created an article full of tips you can use to care for bricks properly.
Complete a Thorough Inspection
Do a thorough inspection of the structure twice each time. During the examination, pinpoint mortar joints that are deteriorating, brick stains, and cracks. Search for flaws that need fixing while analyzing the exterior brick walls. Don’t overlook the presence of mildew and mold. After taking note of these issues, the next step is solving them.
Repair Water Damage
Water damage is an annoying inconvenience on bricks. Your main concern should be the constant dampness and splashback resulting from rain. Due to constant contact, the bricks may absorb water during the rainy seasons. This leads to cracks on the bricks and motor joints.
During the wintertime, the presence of water within the brick is devastating. This leads to a freeze and thaw process that will worsen brick damage. Possible solutions to fixing water damage as soon as possible:
- Repair any structural damage and increase the brick’s longevity by setting a budget for repointing every five years to maintain the bricks in great shape.
- Clear clogs around your structure that may provoke rising dampness. Additionally, fix the gutters to make sure they reroute all the rainwater away from the building.
- If standing water during the rainy seasons continues, make a slope away from the structure.
Eliminate Mildew and Mold
You most likely will find mildew, mold, or moss in areas with little exposure to sunlight. Dump vegetation or soggy soil can also encourage the growth of these fungi. To remove these problems on your brick, use a gallon of water mixed with a cup of bleach. To avoid the brick from absorbing the bleach, wet the area first. Then spray your cleaning solution and softly scrub the brick surface with a bristle brush (synthetic or natural). Prevent using a steel bristle brush because it can destroy your brick’s surface.
Contact Del Prete Masonry Today!
Whether you are ready to start your next masonry project or are still hesitant and have questions, Del Prete Masonry is here to help. We have the experience and expertise to get it right the first time. Questions? Want to visit some of our residential or commercial projects? Ready to set up a consultation? Feel free to give us a call at 410-683-0650 or visit us online. We are happy to serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and to keep up with our new and exciting projects, be sure to Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest
Tags: brick repointing, Commercial brick repair, masonry restoration