Maintenance & Care
Maintenance & Care
Thin brick is durable and low-maintenance. A little routine care keeps it looking great for years. Use this guide for seasonal checks, cleaning tips, and simple repairs.
Routine Care
- Dust and wash as needed. Use water and a mild detergent. Rinse well. Avoid harsh acids or pressure that can damage joints.
- Seal only if needed. If you choose to seal, use breathable products made for masonry and follow the label. Always test a small area first.
- Fix moisture sources first. If you see repeated white salts (efflorescence) or damp spots, find and fix the water source before cleaning. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Seasonal Inspection (Quick Checklist)
Do a quick look each season and after big storms. Note anything that changes over time.
- Mortar joints: cracks, gaps, or erosion
- Sealant joints around windows/doors: torn or missing
- Stains, white deposits (efflorescence), or damp spots
- Weeps and flashings (exterior walls): open and draining
- Plant growth on walls (ivy, vines)
- Loose, spalled, or cracked bricks
Regular inspections and simple maintenance extend brick life and prevent bigger repairs. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Cleaning & Stain Tips
Everyday cleaning
- Sweep or vacuum dust. Wash with water and a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly.
- Try any cleaner in a small hidden spot first. Rinse well to avoid residue.
Efflorescence (white powder)
- First, fix leaks or moisture sources so it doesn’t return.
- Dry brush or scrub with water. For stubborn areas, use a brick-safe proprietary cleaner and follow directions exactly (pre-wet, apply, rinse).
Improper cleaning (too strong, poor rinsing) can stain or etch mortar. Always test first. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Sealants & Water Repellents
- Replace bad sealant joints. Remove old material, install correct backer rod or bond-breaker, and apply a high-quality elastomeric sealant compatible with brick. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Water repellents: Use only breathable types (silane/siloxane) and only after fixing cracks, flashing, or drainage issues. Avoid film-forming coatings on exterior brick. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Mortar Joint Care (Repointing)
If joints are cracked, crumbling, or deeply eroded, repointing may be needed.
- Remove damaged mortar to a uniform depth (often about 3/4 in. or twice joint width) without harming bricks.
- Dampen the joint (no standing water). Pack new mortar in thin lifts (about 1/4 in.), tooling when “thumbprint hard.”
- Use a mortar type that is equal to or weaker than the original (often Type N or O for modern work). Match color and profile.
Proper repointing reduces water entry and protects the wall. Consider qualified pros for this step. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Plants on Brick (Ivy & Vines)
- Do not pull vines off the wall. Cut them and let the shoots dry and shrivel (2–3 weeks), then remove with a stiff fiber brush and mild detergent.
- Check joints after removal; repoint if the mortar was disturbed.
This avoids damage and stains that can happen if vines are yanked off wet. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Weeps, Flashing & Moisture Control (Exterior)
- Weeps: Make sure they exist, are open, and not clogged. If missing, they can be added carefully without damaging flashing.
- Flashing: Missing or failed flashing can cause leaks. Repairs may require removing small wall sections and replacing flashing in stages.
- Rising damp: In severe cases, a dampproof course or base flashing upgrade may be needed near grade.
Tackle moisture sources first so stains and efflorescence don’t return. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Replacing Damaged Bricks
- Carefully remove the damaged unit and surrounding mortar without harming neighbors.
- Butter the replacement brick and surrounding edges; set and tool joints to match the original profile.
- Use bricks that match size, color, and texture; mock up if needed.
Matching materials and careful tooling help the repair blend in. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
When to Call a Pro
- Large or stepped cracks, out-of-plane movement, or widespread spalling
- Persistent leaks you can’t trace, or flashing repairs
- Historic brickwork, or when matching mortar/brick is critical
Engineers or experienced masons can diagnose structural issues and plan long-lasting repairs. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
