Facing brickwork is an excellent choice for both longevity and aesthetics, but periodic maintenance is essential to keep it looking and performing its best.
From routine inspections to more extensive repairs, here’s a complete guide on how to maintain your brick façades for long-term resilience.
The Benefits of Maintaining Facing Brickwork
When properly installed, high-quality facing bricks require minimal upkeep. However, regular maintenance, including inspection, cleaning, and occasional repairs, can significantly extend their lifespan and help avoid more intensive future work.
Trade Warehouse offers a wide range of facing bricks that provide both durability and style, ideal for long-lasting façades.
Routine Inspection (Twice a Year)
Routine inspections are vital for identifying potential issues early on, preventing small problems from turning into significant repairs. Here’s what to focus on during inspections:
- Surface Cracks or Spalling: Check for visible cracks or crumbling (spalling) on the brickwork, as these can allow moisture to seep in, leading to further deterioration.
- Mortar Joint Condition: Inspect mortar joints for cracks, missing sections, or erosion. Damaged mortar can compromise structural integrity, making repointing essential in some cases.
- Control Joints, Flashing, and Sealants: Examine these areas, particularly around windows and doors, to ensure they remain flexible and allow water to drain away from the structure.
In addition to maintenance, considering structural adjustments or adding engineering bricks may provide added strength in high-stress areas, especially in more extensive projects.
Annual Cleaning
Regular cleaning keeps your brick façade looking fresh and free of pollutants, grime, or algae growth.
- Low-Pressure Washing: Use a gentle, low-pressure washer (maximum 100 psi) to clean the surface without damaging the brick face or mortar joints. Avoid high-pressure washing as it can erode the mortar.
- Hand Scrubbing: For heavily soiled areas, use a soft-bristle brush with a specialised brick cleaning solution to remove dirt without damaging the bricks.
Annual cleaning not only enhances curb appeal but also prepares your building’s surface for any necessary repairs. If you’re inspired by different ways to incorporate brick, check out these 15 brick outbuilding ideas for some creative building possibilities.
Repointing (Every 20-30 Years)
Repointing involves removing and replacing deteriorated mortar joints, which helps restore the structural integrity of the brickwork.
- Careful Removal: Use specialised tools to cut out old mortar to the correct depth, taking care not to damage surrounding bricks.
- Matching Mortar: Choose a repointing mortar that closely matches the existing one in both colour and strength to maintain the appearance and structural harmony of the wall.
- Moisture Control and Tooling: Proper moisture control and tooling techniques are essential for durable repairs, helping the new mortar adhere properly and ensuring a long-lasting finish.
For professional advice on the various uses of brick types, including for repointing and structural projects, our guide on the uses of bricks in engineering offers comprehensive insights.
Repair Techniques for Damaged Brickwork
When repointing isn’t enough, specialised repair techniques can restore brickwork to its original strength and appearance.
1. Brick Replacement
For severe spalling or missing bricks, replacing the damaged units may be the best option.
- Careful Removal: Remove damaged bricks, corroded ties, and loose debris to prepare a solid foundation.
- Matching New Bricks: Source bricks that closely match the original in size, texture, and colour to keep the wall’s appearance cohesive. Trade Warehouse provides ET Clay bricks ideal for replacement projects where exact matches are critical.
2. Crack Injection Repair
For smaller cracks, epoxy injection can seal and reinforce affected areas.
- Reservoir Creation: Rout out the crack to create a reservoir, ensuring it is clean and dry.
- Epoxy Injection: Use injection ports to fill the crack with epoxy resin, stabilising the wall while maintaining structural continuity.
3. Stitching or Grouting
For larger cracks, stitching or grouting may be necessary.
- Installing Rods: Insert stainless steel or fibre-reinforced rods into the slots along the crack. Grouting these rods in place helps transfer loads across the crack, preventing further movement.
This technique is particularly useful in walls experiencing minor structural shifts. For more information on products suitable for structural maintenance, explore our selection of creasing tiles for additional support solutions.
4. Masonry Consolidation or Resurfacing
Consolidation or resurfacing is ideal for brickwork with widespread deterioration.
- Using Consolidates: Apply low-viscosity consolidates like hydraulic lime or cementitious grout under pressure to stabilise and reinforce the surface.
- Surface Repointing: Once consolidated, repoint the area to seal and protect the brickwork.
5. Structural Reinforcement
For buildings facing significant foundation settling or structural issues, reinforcement options include installing helical wall ties or steel angles.
- Redistributing Load: Helical wall ties or steel angles help transfer the load across the façade, preventing further stress on weakened areas.
These methods ensure that even large-scale projects maintain structural integrity and a uniform appearance.
Key Takeaways for Brick Maintenance
Regular inspections, cleaning, and targeted repairs can significantly extend the lifespan of facing brickwork.
By choosing the right materials and following best practices, you can ensure your brick façade stays strong and attractive. Trade Warehouse offers a wide range of materials, from engineering bricks for high-stress areas to facing bricks for aesthetic finishes. Embracing a routine maintenance schedule and investing in quality products will protect your brickwork for years to come.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Description |
|---|
| Routine Inspection | Twice a year | Check for cracks, spalling, efflorescence, mortar wear, and ensure proper drainage at control joints. |
| Cleaning | Annually | Use low-pressure washing (max 100 psi) and gentle cleaners to remove dirt without damaging bricks. |
| Repointing | Every 20-30 years | Replace deteriorated mortar to restore structural integrity and match existing mortar composition. |
| Brick Replacement | As needed | Replace severely cracked or spalled bricks with closely matching replacements to preserve appearance. |
| Crack Injection Repair | As needed | For small cracks, use epoxy injection to seal and reinforce the wall structure. |
| Stitching or Grouting | For larger cracks | Insert reinforced rods and grout to stabilise wider cracks and prevent movement. |
| Masonry Consolidation | For widespread damage | Apply consolidants to stabilise deteriorated surfaces, followed by repointing as necessary. |
| Structural Reinforcement | For foundation issues | Install helical wall ties or steel angles to redistribute load and protect against settling damage. |