My house is 25 years. All exterior wall are salavging brick. I found some of them started spalling and cracking last year. Can I do something to stop it ? Thanks.

 

gutters, the spalling is caused by moisture freezing in the surface of the bricks, also might try a silicone surface treatment for the bricks to help water proof them, but keeping water off of them is the main key.

life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies.

 

What is kind of a silicone surface treatment? Can you recommend a brand? Thanks.

 

In what partf the world are you? - Location, climate.

Where did the brick come from and do you have any idea what type, brand. age they are?

There are some types of brick that are unsuitable for some applications even if they worked well where they were. - Some "Chicago" have had problems were they were used in the wrong exposure.

Old brick may have gone through many decades of weathering and exposure that can reduce the life and is not fprgotten when they are moved to a new application and condition.

Surface sealers can be a band-aid that will help to extend the life in the new exposure. Don't be fooled by the "hardness" of the the brick since some hard brick can have poor durability in some applications.

 

A spalling brick is pretty well shot. Once the face is gone the "sheen" kiln side is lost the brick exposes it softer interior fired clay and old brick just get softer. I don't know what kind of brick it is but if its the old red brick like in very old houses it should be replaced. live in Lanc Pa 1754 founded and the whole town is brick and its a common problem here. The last big job we replaced over 5,000 bad brick on a warehouse

 

I am in Detroit MI. The brick is red excatly as what 21boat said. It is a bit scared. Replacement is too much at current situtation. $25/brick. I might ty to do the seal job by a good brand first and see what happens. Someone know where I can find a good sealant? Thanks in advance.