How Do I Stop Water From Coming Through Brickwork?

Water is an essential part of life, but when it seeps through the cracks in your brickwork, you could start to see it as the adversary. Don't fret; there are a number of measures you may take to prevent water from leaking through the bricks of your home's foundation. In this article, we will examine this issue and its root causes as well as possible remedies.

What Could Damage A Brick Wall From Water Behind It?

Bricks have always been porous and able to soak up moisture ever since the first brick house was constructed. To prevent premature crumbling, measures have been put in place to improve bricks' ability to absorb moisture Knowing where water is coming from behind brick walls is also important for early detection of problems that need fixing.

Water Damage From Common Causes Behind Brick Walls

Bricks can be penetrated by water in three different ways: at the joints, at the mortar joints, and at the contact zone between the mortar and the brick. Typical brick installation methods leave one side of every brick vulnerable, making vertical seams a typical entry point for water. Masonry can also be harmed from the inside out, for instance by a leaking pipe.

Leaky Pipes

The best way to find out whether you have a leak is to make sure all water is turned off, both inside and outside the house. Next, you need to check your water metre to see if the leak indicator is relocating. In addition, you can check the water metre before and after turning off the water supply for an interval of two to three hours.

Wind-Blown Rains

Behind stone walls, wind-driven rain is also a significant water supply. Moisture penetration often occurs through vertical joints between masonry or head joints. Constant wind pressure causes the water to be pushed against the wall with increasing force while the rain continues. The effect is that water enters the wall.

As a result, there needs to be a system in place to collect and reroute water before it can damage the wall's wood structure or anything else inside. This consists of flashings and waterproof membranes that channel water away from the brick wall. Included in this system are the weeping holes often seen at the base of a brick wall. Do not cover up weep holes. To prevent water from collecting behind the brick, weep holes are essential.

Construction Issues

Water seepage through brick walls is facilitated by a number of construction-related issues. To illustrate, consider the practice of making mortar with an abnormally high moisture content. Because of this, the mortar will contract more as it dries, leaving tiny cracks that will let water penetrate easily. A brick wall, no matter how sturdy it is initially, will eventually need maintenance so that water doesn't seep in via the many tiny cracks and crevices that appear over time.

Water Damage Prevention Behind Brick Walls

Hidden behind a brick wall, water damage can be hard to spot at first. Before the outer wall shows signs of damage, water will begin to accumulate inside. For this reason, it is essential to prioritise high-quality building practices that can assist prevent water damage from occurring in the first place. To facilitate water penetration and evaporation, we designed every brick to let some water through.

Water damage is possible even if everything is well-built, therefore it's best to avoid it by taking precautions like using waterproof caulk and mortar when building a basement. There are numerous pathways through which water can penetrate a brick wall and cause extensive decay. There's a chance that water got into your chimney because the cap was damaged. Possible cause of water seepage into masonry: a broken pipe.

Cracks in the wall usually appear in the vertical connections between bricks. It can take some time to spot water damage behind a brick wall. Water damage could start within a building before any visible damage appears on the exterior wall.

How To Waterproof Bricks

Water seeps into porous unprotected brick and accelerates the decay of the masonry and mortar. Especially in wet locations, a home's resale value can be boosted by sealing and waterproofing the outside brick to make it last longer and look better. Proper sealing also reduces the grittiness prevalent on brick floors and outside paved areas. It's especially important in damp places like the Bay Area that the sealer you choose provides waterproofing, so read the label carefully.

• Sealing the brick requires a thorough sweeping or dusting first. Clean the mortar joints and any other locations where dust and grit have settled.
• Use a washcloth and some soapy water to scrub the brick. Towels should be used to soak up any excess moisture. Drying out the brick thoroughly is a prerequisite to moving forwards.
• The brick sealer should fill up half of the paint tray. You can use any standard masonry sealant on brick. Pick a sealant for chimney bricks that was made specifically for that. Chimney sealers prevent water from seeping in from the outside while allowing moisture to escape from the interior.
• Roll the sealant onto the brick with a paint roller. Using an angled paint brush, apply sealant to the joints in the mortar. Sealer needs at least eight hours to dry thoroughly.
• After waiting 24 hours for the second coat of sealant to dry, the brick surface will be ready to be walked on and touched.

Common Causes Of Brick Leaks

Seepage, or water leakage, is a common source of structural damage. About eighty percent of building flaws can be wiped away if water leakage issues are properly addressed. Although there are many potential entry points for water damage in a structure, walls are often the weakest link.

It is for this reason that precautions have been taken to minimise water damage to the house, including the installation of devices that promote efficient moisture absorption. Insufficient water absorption can cause bricks to break quickly. In addition, it is important to know what causes wall leaks and what kind of damage could be hiding behind brick walls so that problems can be fixed before they get worse.

Before That – Signs Of A Water Leak Behind Walls

Most water leakage occurs unseen, but there are a number of telltale signs that something is wrong. Some common signs of water damage behind your walls are as follows.

• Mould Development -Mould development is a common sign of water damage. Although mould is most common in damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, spotting it on a wall or ceiling that is not near a water source is usually indicative of a leak.
• Stale Odours - Water or moisture that has been absorbed by building materials can cause them to give off a musty odour. A water leak may be the source of a strong odour coming from a wall in your home.
• Staining - Water seeping through the wall will discolour the material it comes in contact with. These stains' expansion over time suggests a leak is occurring.
• Peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper - If there is condensation underneath the walls, the paint or wallpaper on the surface will peel or bubble.
• Stained Ceilings - Look for stains on the ceiling, and if you discover any, check the walls around for evidence of water damage.

Time is of the essence when dealing with a water leak that has been detected behind a wall. Understanding the source of the leaks is the first step in fixing the problem. To elaborate, think about the most common water damage caused to outside walls.

Brick Leaks' Common Causes

Water can easily penetrate your masonry in a number of different ways. It can travel through the mortar, the brick, and the space where the two materials come into contact. Furthermore, it is common for leaks to enter through vertical joints. As a refresher, here it is:

• Many design errors make it more likely that water may seep through the bricks. One common cause of post-cure shrinkage in mortar is the addition of too much water during the mixing process. The surface cracks as a result of the shrinkage, letting moisture seep through.
• Joints, honeycombs, punctures, spills, punctures, weak regions, holes, debris residues, and the movement of external wall components are all potential entry points for water.
• Defects in the outside wall finish, such as missing or loose mosaic tiles, cracked ceramic tiles, and peeling paint, poor cladding or curtain wall structures, or a lack of colour in water-resistant components.
• Leaking pipes are a major source of water damage to walls. Turning off the water supply both inside and outside the house can disclose this.
• Wall leaks can also be caused by rain that is blown in by the wind. Vertical brickwork connections or head joints are particularly vulnerable to moisture incursion. The water is pushed up against the wall by the wind and is confined there with enormous force.
• Water will most likely infiltrate within the wall of your brick home if you have landscaping earth near the foundation. If earth is piled too high on a brick wall, this is considerably more likely to happen.
• What happens to water that collects on the bricks depends greatly on the drainage system in the yard. The lowest parts of the wall must be designed such that water flows away from the home and does not pool or flood the area. For example, if water from a drainage pipe constantly leaks over a piece of a brick wall, the bricks will never dry up and the wall will eventually collapse.

Exposed Brick Walls: Pros And Cons

There is a contemporary trend in interior design towards homes with exposed brick walls. But let's say you've discovered brick walls behind the drywall or plaster, or you're considering incorporating exposed brick into a brand-new build. In such a case, it's important to remember that, just like every other facet of residential architecture, this design choice comes with its own set of pros and cons.

So, to help you decide whether or not exposed brick walls are right for you, here are some pros and cons to consider.

Why Exposed Brick Walls Can Be A Smart Idea

There are many great things about the idea of exposed brick:

They're Attractive

Brick or block walls, especially in the living room or other frequently used areas of the house, can be very appealing because they can transform a drab room into a warm and inviting, as well as unique, one. Particularly in older homes, removing the drywall to reveal the brick underneath can emphasise the building's history. The traditional red brick wall can be transformed into a white brick wall by simply painting the exposed brick.

They can increase your home's resale value and attract more buyers.

Exposed brick, especially if it has been well-maintained, can greatly increase the value of your home and make it simpler to sell. There isn't much proof that brick walls add value, but they can attract buyers who want a cosier, more inviting space than what can be achieved with drywall or plaster.

They're Strong

Since we moved in here five years ago, my kids have managed to put three separate holes in my walls. My pals who have brick walls in their living rooms don't have this problem. Almost no other material can compare to the longevity and resilience of brick walls.

Potential Downsides Of Exposed Brick Walls

However, not everyone appreciates an exposed brick wall or any other design choice. If you're having trouble deciding, take these into account.

They're Tougher To Decorate

It is possible to hang pictures and other decorations on an exposed brick wall by making holes in the mortar or using a brick clip, but doing so is much more labour intensive than doing the same thing with drywall or plaster. In addition, an exposed brick wall is not the best option if you plan on often altering the decor of the room. Still, it's not all awful, because exposed brick may make a beautiful gallery wall.

They Can Hold Dirt And Water

Applying a sealer or a coat of acrylic paint will help keep your brick wall protected from the elements and everyday wear and tear. Brick, along with the mortar between them, is a porous building material that, if not sealed properly, can collect moisture and lead to mould growth. Even if water doesn't get in, they can gather trash and be a pain to clean.

They're Not Energy Efficient

Brick walls in older houses were often clad in other materials for practical reasons. Insulation materials like dry walls are also used. The home's insulation value will drop dramatically if exposed brickwork is found on inside walls.

Alternatives To Exposed Brick

Adding exposed brick to an existing home can be challenging at best if there isn't already brick beneath the existing wall coverings.

A variety of options exist for wallpaper that is designed to seem like exposed brick. Don't discount them just because you think they'll look ugly or cheap; some contemporary brick wallpaper materials have raised designs and are textured.The exposed brick look can also be achieved with brick veneers or faux-brick wall panelling.

Some brick alternatives, sometimes known as faux-brick solutions, might give the impression of real brick without the disadvantages. Raised brick wallpaper, for instance, can simplify the process of hanging artwork.

Conclusion

Bricks are known for their ability to absorb moisture. Increased brick water absorption reduces early disintegration. Knowing the water source behind brick walls helps discover problems early. Weep holes prevent water from collecting behind bricks; don't block them. Water damage to a structure may take time to show on the exterior wall.

Water can easily infiltrate through a brick wall's cracks and gaps, causing degradation. Water penetrating porous, exposed brick accelerates brickwork and mortar deterioration. Sealing brick floors and other outside paved areas reduce grit. Buildings sometimes fail due to water seepage or leaking. A chimney sealant keeps water out and lets moisture out.

What causes wall leaks and what harm could be hidden behind brick walls must be known. Water can enter brickwork through many points. It can penetrate masonry, mortar, and joints. Inside and outside, disconnect faucet hoses to discover leaks and cracks. On the other hand, brick or block walls may make a boring place interesting.

Brick walls provide character and value to a home. However, some people may prefer something other than an exposed brick wall or other architectural detail. Unsealed brick walls are porous and can collect moisture and mould if not sealed. Earlier homes coated brick walls for aesthetic and utilitarian purposes. Faux bricks can look like bricks without the downsides.

Content Summary

• Don't fret; there are some measures you may take to prevent water from leaking through the bricks of your home's foundation.
• In this article, we will examine this issue and its root causes, as well as possible remedies.
• The best way to determine whether you have a leak is to ensure all water is turned off, both inside and outside the house.
• Behind stone walls, wind-driven rain is also a significant water supply.
• This consists of flashings and waterproof membranes that channel water away from the brick wall.
• This system includes the weeping holes often seen at the base of a brick wall.
• To prevent water from collecting behind the brick, weep holes are essential.
• To illustrate, consider the practice of making mortar with abnormally high moisture content.
• Water damage can be hard to spot hidden behind a brick wall at first.
• Before the outer wall shows signs of damage, water will begin to accumulate inside.
• For this reason, it is essential to prioritise high-quality building practices that can assist prevent water damage from occurring in the first place.
• Water damage is possible even if everything is well-built. Therefore, it's best to avoid it by using waterproof caulk and mortar when building a basement.
• There are numerous pathways through which water can penetrate a brick wall and cause extensive decay.
• It can take some time to spot water damage behind a brick wall.
• Water seeps into porous unprotected brick and accelerates the decay of the masonry and mortar.
• Clean the mortar joints and other locations where dust and grit have settled.
• Use a washcloth and some soapy water to scrub the brick.
• Seepage, or water leakage, is a common source of structural damage.
• Some common signs of water damage behind your walls are as follows.
• Mould Development -Mould development is a common sign of water damage.
• A water leak may be the source of a strong odour from a wall in your home.
• Stained Ceilings - Look for stains on the ceiling, and if you discover any, check the walls around for evidence of water damage.
• To elaborate, think about the most common water damage caused to outside walls.
• As a refresher, here it is: Many design errors make it more likely that water may seep through the bricks.
• Leaking pipes are a major source of water damage to walls.
• So, to help you decide whether or not exposed brick walls are right for you, here are some pros and cons.
• There are many great things about the idea of exposed brick: They're Attractive Brick or block walls, especially in the living room or other frequently used areas of the house, can be very appealing because they can transform a drab room into a warm and inviting, as well as unique, one.
• They can increase your home's resale value and attract more buyers.
• Exposed brick, especially if it has been well-maintained, can greatly increase the value of your home and make it simpler to sell.
• However, only some appreciate an exposed brick wall or any other design choice.
• If you need help deciding, take these into account.
• It is possible to hang pictures and other decorations on an exposed brick wall by making holes in the mortar or using a brick clip, but doing so is much more labour-intensive than doing the same thing with drywall or plaster.
• In addition, there are better options than an exposed brick wall if you plan on often altering the room's decor.
• Applying a sealer or a coat of acrylic paint will help keep your brick wall protected from the elements and everyday wear and tear.
• The home's insulation value will drop dramatically if exposed brickwork is found inside the walls.
• Adding exposed brick to an existing home can be challenging if there isn't already brick beneath the existing wall coverings.
• A variety of options exist for wallpaper that seems like exposed brick.
• Raised brick wallpaper, for instance, can simplify the process of hanging artwork.