Fact – Bricks are porous and do need to breathe. That’s why it is important to use a product specifically designed for chimneys and exterior masonry. At Chimney Heroes we use a unique repellent that is vapor permeable so it will not trap water vapors in the brick.
The next point to remember is this: bricks need to breathe. I mean that bricks “breathe” naturally expelling moisture from the wall. When you coat them with paint you have effectively closed the pores of the bricks preventing them from breathing.
Why do bricks need to breathe?
” – Because bricks and mortar aren’t waterproof. “So what happens if my bricks don’t breathe? ” – There is a greater chance for you to have moisture problems with your home or building. “What kind of problems?
This begs the inquiry “Do brick walls need to breathe?”
Walls need to breathe – and if the pointing doesn’t allow this, the wall will rapidly deteriorate. Mortar joints are the lungs of a wall – they allow water within the structure to enter and leave freely. If water tries to leave through stone or brick, it will slowly disintegrate.
Walls need to breathe You sort of have it correct. Healthy walls need to be able to allow water VAPOR, not water, to pass easily. When walls get wet, they dry out by evaporation.
The misuse of this terminology falls into two main camps: 1. Buildings need to breathe 2. Walls need to breathe. “Buildings need to breathe” is finally almost dead. Most are recognizing the broad terminology replacement for build tight, ventilate right.
How do bricks absorb moisture?
Bricks and mortar are able to absorb a great deal of moisture in multiple ways and must be able to breathe to eliminate this moisture. Water can enter through tiny cracks between the bricks and mortar. When mortar doesn’t completely fill the vertical joints between bricks, these “head joints” will allow water to flow.
What are some interesting facts about bricks?
Brick walls are never waterproof. Bricks and mortar are able to absorb a great deal of moisture in multiple ways and must be able to breathe to eliminate this moisture. Water can enter through tiny cracks between the bricks and mortar.
A common question we ran across in our research was “Are brick walls waterproof?”.
Brick Wall Facts Brick walls are never waterproof. Bricks and mortar are able to absorb a great deal of moisture in multiple ways and must be able to breathe to eliminate this moisture. Water can enter through tiny cracks between the bricks and mortar.
How often should you re-paint your brick walls?
Bricks will need to be re-painted more frequently than the rest of your home. This is because of the risk of water entry which can cause severe damage. The next point to remember is this: bricks need to breathe. I mean that bricks “breathe” naturally expelling moisture from the wall.