Brick veneer literature gives you a quick education about how non-waterproof brick walls really are. Just do a little extra reading. I have listed a few articles and sources for brick veneer literature. There are too many to list them all. I have selected some key articles below.
Brick veneer houses are not waterproof. Does that information surprise you? Well, I can tell you that I was in a state of shock when I found this out about six years ago. Prior to that, I felt that brick veneer construction was very weather resistant. I used to tell my customers who built with brick that they need not worry about water infiltration, rot, etc. For a leakfree brick home use good flashing materials, weep holes and be sure to read up on the process.
Clear coatings manufacturers usually don't sell their products in hardware stores or home centers, so try calling the manufacturers in the following list for your purchase. Check out the Brick Institute of America's data on the properties of various clear coatings to find the one for you.
Brick, block, stucco, and mortar all contain very tiny passageways that accept water. This can be a positive quality. However, depending upon exposure to the elements, temperature conditions, strength of the individual brick or block units, etc., it can can work against the long term durability of the masonry. The two main categories of colorless coating to apply to brick or masonry surfaces are film forming sealants and penetrants.
Mold is sprouting in your shower drain pipe. Black mold. Red mold. And your new bathroom is only two months old! Are you destined for a trip to your doctor with a nasty illness?
These mold information websites contain rich resources for further study of mold and the problems faced. Mold-y topics from black mold and toxic mold detection to mold identification and mold removal can be pursued. Health concerns, mold exposure symptoms, mold allergies and mold prevention and clean up are covered to cite a few topics available to you.
These manufacturers make some excellent brick/masonry sealants and penetrants to repel water. Mold can be kept in check by sealing your brick and masonry surfaces, such as in your basement.
Mold removal is fast with a chlorine bleach and water solution. Mold clean up is simple and safer, though, with oxygen bleach.
Whether working with colored mortars, pigments or bricks, be sure to check out installation tips and literature before you start. For colored mortar and mortar pigments, consult techniques and web sites for the following manufacturers. When it comes to bricks, any of the 100 brick companies listed on the Brick Industry Association web site also serve as great resources for advice or installation tips, as well as the Portland Cement Association.
Brick is a great building material. It is dense, strong and durable. Because of the wide range of brick colors, textures and colored mortars, an almost endless variety of exterior looks can be achieved by using brick. The positive qualities of brick are so ingrained in our culture that they are a key factor in the outcome of the fairy tale "The Three Little Pigs."
Subscribe to the FREE Ask the Builder newsletter to receive professional advice for your home. Complete the form below and each week you'll get:
Unsubscribe at any time. We respect your email privacy.