I need recommendations on the best exterior sealant for our brick patio walls.
by
Janice F
+2
I have noticed the last few years a build up of salts on the bricks on the inside of my patio. I have assumed that was an indication of moisture coming through. During our very recent experience with hurricane Isaac and the constant and long lasting wind driven rain, we had significant issues with water on our patio. Our roof wasn't leaking, but the water was definitely coming through where the windows meet the brick and, we are pretty certain, also at the foundation. We thought the window/brick joint had been sufficiently caulked, but apparently not. Would putting a sealant on the exterior of the brick keep moisture from coming in that way? There are so many different sealers out there. Can someone recommend one that would work well for this situation without changing the color of the brick (a slight darkening would not be an issue)?
The exterior brick of my patio.
4 answers
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Janice, this article has some good information for you: http://www.askthebuilder.com/brick-leaks/
3po3
on Sep 05, 2012
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Do not, seal the bricks or you will have bigger issues then water. The issue I see is that the top course of bricks were not properly pitched to allow the water to run off. Brick is porous. Standing water on top will allow water to freely enter into the brick. If the water is not allowed to drain out through weep holes, which I assume you do not have, water will enter into the structure. Visit http://www.bia.org to find out more about the issue your having and for proper methods to correct. The mistake people think about sealing bricks that it works. The clear liquids used to seal the surface do not bridge any gaps between the tiny holes and gaps around the mortar. This results in water still getting behind the brick surface. Once this occurs spalling and even more white efflorescence will occur. What your looking for at the web site is rain screens. It shows the proper design of how the brick should have been constructed so to allow for proper drainage when water enters into the brick.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Sep 05, 2012
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W.E. You're always so knowledgeable and share the best information! I saw a DIY Disaster Renovation today that talked about the need for proper pitch in laying bricks, and on Holmes he always stresses the need for proper pitch of the tope course in order to allow for proper drainage.....looking at the photo, even to me it's fairly obvious....Great Catch! You know we appreciate your advice.
Sharron W
on Sep 06, 2012
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Our red brick chimney has small brick chips falling off. We see them laying on our roof. Why does this happen, is it causing damage to the chimney integrity, & how should we stop it and/ or repair the brick?
Sherry O'
on Sep 02, 2014
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