Maintenance Musts for Brick and Stone Masonry
Few features add both timeless beauty and durability to your home like brick and stone masonry. The technique dates back over 6,000 years and is still widely used today. However, proper and regular maintenance is a must to preserve the beauty and structural integrity of your brick and stonework. The good news is most of the work can easily be done by homeowners, especially those with a knack for DIY projects.
Inspect Regularly
First and foremost, you should make simple, regular inspections of your home’s brick and stone masonry. Look for signs of damage such as mortar decay, cracks in bricks or stonework, loose bricks or stones, or discoloration. Early detection can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Clean with Pressure
If the veneer is in good shape, you should be able to pressure wash without concern. We recommend pressure washing for cleaning stone, brick and concrete surfaces. While not necessary, some mild detergent cleaners (such as Envirosafe) can be used with a pressure washer. We do not recommend using a wire brush for cleaning, if possible. These can damage the veneer depending on its age and condition. We also do not recommend using bleach – even heavily diluted bleach – as it can damage mortar joints.
Seal for Protection
Sealing brick veneer is not necessary, but at the same time, it cannot hurt. However, if brick or stone material is used as a paver or a way to cover a surface area that will be walked on, sealing is usually a good idea to help protect the finish.
Repair Damage Promptly
If you notice any damage, such as cracks or loose mortar, to your brick or stone masonry, repair it promptly. Ignoring minor damage can lead to more extensive and costly repairs down the line. This is most likely a case where you should call in the pros. Properly repairing masonry is indeed a difficult skill. The most common mistake we see is homeowners trying to tuck point brick themselves by using a mortar repair caulk, which not only fails to work properly but can create quite a mess. We have also seen homeowners who attempted to install mortar themselves but failed to create the correct consistency, which again does not correct the issue and can make it worse.
Maintain Proper Drainage
Ensure water from the roof system is managed and drains away from your home's foundation. This will help prevent water from pooling around your brick and stone masonry. Proper grading, clean and working gutters, and downspouts can help redirect water away from the veneer and other surfaces.
Avoid Chemicals
Avoid using de-icing salts or chemicals near brick and stone masonry, as these can cause damage and discoloration. A good alternative is cat litter, which can provide suitable traction on icy surfaces.
Hang Items the Right Way
Hanging things like wall decorations, plants, and pictures on brick walls can be challenging, but all you need are the right tools and a little patience. For heavier items, we recommend using masonry screws and/or wall plugs. Be sure to drill any holes into the mortar and not directly into the brick.
Use a properly sized masonry bit to carefully drill your hole to the correct depth
Tap in the masonry wall plug until it is flush with the surface
Attach your fixture using a masonry screw that screws into the wall plug
Another option is to use brick clips, which are specially designed metal clips that grip onto the brick without damaging it. Some types come with adhesive strips that adhere to the wall, providing additional support. These are great for hanging lightweight items like wreaths, pictures, or holiday decorations.
Know When to Seek Help
If you are unsure how to care for or repair your brick and stone masonry or notice significant damage that you feel uncomfortable addressing yourself, seek professional help. A qualified masonry contractor can provide expert advice and services to ensure the longevity and beauty of your home's masonry.
We hope these tips will help you maintain the beauty and durability of your brick and stone masonry, ensuring that it remains a source of pride for years to come. Proper care and maintenance preserve these timeless materials and contribute to your home’s value and integrity. As always, please let us know if we can help.