#brickmaintenance

Surprising Facts About Brick Damage

Brick doesn’t usually fail from impact; it fails from moisture.

When water seeps in and temperatures drop, it freezes, expands and slowly breaks the brick from within.

Over time this leads to cracks, surface damage and costly repairs.

That’s why sealing your brick is essential. It helps block moisture before damage begins.

Brick by Brick

Brick is meant to last - everyone knows that the Big Bad Wolf could not blow the brick house in. This is good news for any homeowner with brick walls or structures or even walkways. Brick is also beautiful in a classic way when used in home construction. A little TLC can go a long way in preserving the beauty and integrity of brick and mortar in your home.

Here are a few tips for healthy brick maintenance:

* Cleaning dust and dirt is often done by Mother Nature with a little rain and wind. Further dirt removal can be done simply with a garden hose and spray nozzle.

* Moss, mold, or mildew growth along shady walls can be managed with a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1 gallon water. Soak the area first, apply the solution, and brush with a soft brush (not wire).

* Visually inspect for water damage, even from rain or sprinklers, which can cause the mortar joints or the bricks to crack. One indication of water damage is “efflorescence” which is the white deposits from water containing dissolved salts.

* Repair soft or cracked mortar by “repointing,” which is when damaged mortar is carefully removed and fresh mortar is applied.

* Paint removal is possible but often better left to the professionals using chemical processes (never sandblasting, which could damage the brick).

Nancy Palmer, CRS Broker Associate Presidents Roundtable REALTOR® LICENSE # 00525350 Alain Pinel Realtors® Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com