*This is a collaborative post*
Bricks are perhaps the most well-known and most used material for building homes. Available in a number of colours and patterns, bricks add character to the exterior of your home, as well as providing your property with the structural integrity it needs. However, poor care can lead to them degrading over time, which may affect the structure and appearance of your home. Taking the time to learn how to look after your brickwork could help it to last longer, and even continue looking great. Read on to find out more.
Have holes filled
The appearance of large cracks or holes within your brickwork is both unsightly and worrying. Getting them repaired, whether externally or internally, should be a priority. To fill a hole in a wall made of brick, it may be a good idea to first discuss your needs with a professional. While some walls may be filled easily, brick can require a bit more care. A bricklayer may also have the skills and knowledge to be able to complete the job while still making the wall look good. A shoddy repair could lead to further damage, or even higher costs later on. Therefore, having it done by a trusted bricklayer can get the repair done at a fair price, and make your wall a lot more secure.
Look for signs of damp
Damp can cause significant issues with your brickwork, especially if left to get worse over time. By spotting the signs of water damage, you may be able to rectify it before it starts to impact the quality of your bricks. This can include problems with mould, especially if it is reoccurring, a general smell of rot, and even interior plaster damage. This dampness may not only harm your bricks, but it can also cause breathing and health issues in the inhabitants of the home. Alongside looking after the bricks, you may also want to check the guttering. Gutters that are loose, blocked, or even missing may cause water to build up in certain areas, increasing the likelihood of damage.
Erosion
Over time, the bricks may start to wear away, especially if they are subjected to a lot of rain or other types of weather. In particular, frost can also be problematic for the bricks. Changes in temperature may pressurise the bricks. In turn, this can cause cracks and fractures to begin to appear. Given enough time, these cracks could advance to a point where the front of the brick crumbles and falls away. Having proper insulation within the walls, as well as coating your bricks in a resin or water repellent, could minimise the damage that frost can cause. Using a repellent made specifically for outdoor use can be better than a generalised one.
Good brickwork is fundamental to the foundations of your home. By looking out for signs of damage or decay, and trying to minimise hazards, you may be able to keep them in a good condition. Alongside this, consider utilising a bricklayer for repairs and improvements, so that you can try to make sure that the job is completed successfully.
