Building in brick is a wonderful construction method. Brick is a durable and beautiful building material. Masonry is a proven age-old construction method, almost as old as building itself. Most brick homes these days are built with a brick veneer. In simple terms, this means that the brick are built more as a decorative siding than out of structural necessity. While known for its strength and beauty brick is not immune to Mother Nature. Here are some helpful hints on preserving your brick homes beauty for generations to come.
• Install a good gutter system: moisture is one of the largest causes of brick deterioration. On many older homes without a gutter system, you will notice the bottom row, or course, of brick is crumbling away to nothing from the water pooling against it.
• Seal your brick regularly. Applying a good sealer to your brick can help keep moisture out of your brick the will help to keep your brick from spalling (having the face of the brick pop off or deteriorate). Remember that different sealers have different finishes and can adjust the color of your brick slightly, so be prepared to seal all of your brick.
• Inspect your chimney cap bi-yearly. All concrete and mortar is susceptible to cracking. Finding and repairing cracks in your chimney's cap can save from having to partially or completely replace your chimney. When it comes to brick, moisture is the enemy, especially in climates with harsh winters. Freezing water expands, wreaking havoc on your brick
• Build for your environment. When your new brick are being laid, there are a variety different ways in which the mortar joints can be tooled out or finished. Rake jointing (a deep joint between the brick) can look very nice, but is not recommend in wet and cold climates. In areas with constantly changing weather (like
• Fix any cracks early. If you notice any cracks forming, try to have them repaired as soon as possible. Cracks have a way of spreading and growing. Catching them early can help stop their spread.
Performing some basic masonry maintance can add years to the life of your brick house. Should brick repairs or restoration become necessary don't hesitate contact a professional for more information contact us.
http://www.brickrepairllc.com/
Mark Maupin 248-895-7752
