Maintenance of Brick Walls

Cleaning Brick Walls

• Brick walls can accumulate dirt and yard debris over time, which gives the surface a dull and spattered look. Once each year, use the garden hose to wash down the brick surface to remove these materials. This action will also remove tree sap and other plant residues that can discolor the surface.

Removing Mold and Mildew

• Mold and mildew growth is another problem that can discolor and stain brick walls. This growth can penetrate into the small crevices of the brick and mortar, making it difficult to remove. Mix 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water, then scrub the brick with a stiff bristled brush. Do not use a wire brush, as these brushes leave small particles of metal behind that rust and discolor the brick, according to Joyce L. Carroll of the BobVila website.

Water Damage

• Water can cause considerable damage to the brick itself as well as the mortar. Backsplash occurs when rain beats continuously against the brick and soaks into the brick and the mortar, causing cracks. Rising damp is a condition that occurs when groundwater seeps up from below, leaving a “tide line” of moisture on the surface of the brick wall. Moisture that occurs with these conditions is subject to freezing and thawing cycles, which increase the damage to the brick. Repair of these small cracking problems helps prevent the larger problems that occur later.

Repointing

• Repointing is a process that repairs damaged areas of mortar so that the brick will keep its good appearance and structural integrity. First, inspect the wall carefully to locate any deteriorated areas of mortar. Remove the loose or damaged areas of mortar, being careful not to dislodge the rest of the brickwork. Using the wrong type of mortar can cause further damage to the wall. If the wall is older than 50 years, a lime-based mortar was probably used. If younger than 50 years old, a Portland cement-type mortar was probably used. Brick contractors can analyze the type of mortar to help you choose the correct type, according to ThisOldHouse writer Gary Palousek. Scrape out the old material with a grout saw or chisel, being careful not to damage the brick. Clean off the surface with water, and allow it to dry for 24 hours. Then trowel in the new mortar. Smooth and compact the mortar into the joint, removing excess mortar from the surface of the brick as you go. When the mortar is dry, brush it diagonally with a wire brush to remove dry crumbs.