How To Know If Your Brickwork Requires Maintenance

CONTENTS

• Compacted bricks
• Efflorescence
• Issues inside your property
• Bowed bricks
• Damage to the mortar
• We're ready to help

According to the Brick Development Association, a bricks' lifespan can extend beyond 150 years. However, this doesn't mean that your brickwork doesn't need maintenance to keep it in good repair.

At ICE Cleaning, we're brick cleaning specialists. Operating nationwide 24/7, 365 days a year, we have years of experience in delivering efficient brick cleaning services. 

Utilising advanced solutions and equipment, our technicians will help keep your brickwork in top condition. Our friendly support team is here for you at any point in the process too, happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Read on to learn what signs to look out for that your bricks needs maintenance.

Compacted bricks

Damage to your bricks, such as compaction, are a sign that something could be wrong. You might begin to notice cracks appearing or the appearance of the bricks changing.

When bricks become warped, this can have serious repercussions for the rest of the wall. Compaction often spreads to different portions of the wall, causing further problems.

Should this happen, brickwork will struggle to support the surface, as its mass is not evenly distributed. So, what's the solution?

If you see any indications of compact bricks, it's time to call in a mason to help you. They will remediate the issue, repairing the affected area and restoring it to a safe condition.

Efflorescence

Efflorescence are salt deposits that can settle on brickwork, usually made of crystalline. It often takes place as a result of wet weather conditions, after the water has vaporised from the exterior. The salt deposits remain on the brickwork, causing what is known as efflorescence.

This substance is not likely to physically harm the surface, but it will need a thorough clean to be removed. It is important to maintain the outward appearance of your property, both from a potential buyer point of view and for your enjoyment of the building.

Though it is quite a common issue experienced by householders in the UK, efflorescence is not necessarily widely known about. Check out our blog on this topic to gain more of an understanding of this problem.

Our brick cleaners can effectively remove efflorescence from surfaces, using only non-abrasive solutions. The team work hard to transform the appearance of your property, leaving you with fantastic results.

Issues inside your property

This might not be your first thought of how to spot issues with your brickwork, but it's worth considering. You can notice changes to the structure of your building which give indications that all is not right with your facade.

Be careful to look out for signs of damp, for example, as this could be a sign of a leak coming from outside the property. Other things to pay attention to include cracks forming in your interior which may be as a result of changes to the outside. 

It is always good to be alert for any noticeable differences in the structure of your home, even internally. This often means you can catch any problems in the early stages before they become significant.

Bowed bricks

Although bricks are known for their durability, another problem you might find yourself facing is bowed bricks. This happens when moisture is present behind brickwork.

Bowed bricks often stick out from the main surface of the exterior, as the moisture has put pressure on them. Or the opposite could occur, where the affected bricks shrink towards the inside layer of brick.

This is a serious issue that will need to be treated by a professional mason as soon as it is spotted. They will repair the brickwork, but the work could be extensive depending on the origin of the issue.

If you're interested in finding out more about the brick manufacturing process, take a look at this article written by Britannica.

Damage to the mortar

Over time, cracks in your mortar can appear and lead to damage if not treated. Mortar is an important element in the facade of a brick building, helping to join together the brickwork. So, if some of the mortar is starting to erode, this is a sign that maintenance work is needed.

To remedy this situation, repointing will be needed. This is not a job that needs doing often, but will help to repair the problem. Damaged adhesive is removed from the brickwork and replaced with new mortar to restore your bricks.

A professional contractor is required for work like this, as it has an element of working from height and needs specialist knowledge to perform correctly.

Closely inspect brickwork on your property periodically to check for any signs of mortar damage, as it could save you greatly if you spot any problems early.

We're ready to help

If you require brick cleaning services on your property, get in touch with our friendly support team today on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk. 

We also provide stone cleaning services should you need them. Our technicians can remove the most toughest of stains from surfaces, such as biological growth and paint. Click here to find out more.