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Bricks are materials that are built to last for many years. Just look at old structures that have stood the test of time, and you'll almost always see bricks as one of the main materials. With that said, incorporating bricks into your home is always a good idea. However, even though brick is a touch material, that does not mean that maintenance is no longer needed. For that, you can always rely on brick contractors in Tulsa, OK to provide you with professional services.
Bricks are particularly susceptible to water damage because it is porous, which means it easily absorbs both dirt and moisture. If it is exposed to water often enough and also doesn't receive much sunlight, it is very likely that moss, mold, and mildew will start growing. Keep in mind that this does not happen in the blink of an eye. However, that doesn’t mean that you can just leave bricks alone and expect them to stay structurally sound at all times. Eventually, you’re going to need masonry repair in Tulsa.
Now, although professional services are always best for more extensive work, there are some things you can do as a homeowner to make sure your exposed brick wall is well maintained. You can either do the work yourself or simply look out for signs that maintenance is already needed.
Here’s what you can do:
Clean Problem Areas for Moss, Mold, and Mildew
If the area where your brick wall is does not receive enough sunlight and there is damp vegetation nearby, it's likely that you're going to deal with moss, mold, and mildew. To clean this, mix one cup of bleach with a gallon of water and use a scrub brush to clean the problem areas. Remember not to use wire brushes because they can leave traces of steel behind. To keep the brick from absorbing bleach, soak the area thoroughly beforehand.
Look for Signs of Water Damage
If your exposed brick wall is outside your home, that means it is also exposed throughout the changing seasons. Rain constantly pelting the brick can soak into the mortar, which causes its joints or the brick itself to crack. Groundwater seeping from below will leave salt crystals when it eventually evaporates, and the remaining crystals will cause the mortar and bricks to break down. Last but not least, freezing and thawing cycles are likely to accelerate damage, especially if the bricks are soaked with water. If you see tide lines signifying groundwater is seeping up or if you know that your bricks are always exposed to water, make sure to look for signs of water damage on an annual basis.
Repoint Your Brick
Due to age, there will be some areas where mortar joints will become soft, cracked, or damaged. So to make sure that the damage doesn't spread further, make sure to get services for repointing. This will be done by carefully removing the damaged mortar and replacing it without disturbing the surrounding brickwork.
If you have brick walls in your property, vigilance is the key to making sure that they are always well-maintained. However, you also need the help of professionals in the field. For that, rely on our expert brick contractors in Tulsa, OK at Brick 1 Masonry to provide you with outstanding services, no matter the job.
