Brick is made of materials like clay, calcium silicate, fly ash, and concrete. Most homes built after 1940 have brick veneers, not solid brick walls. You might see weep holes that let moisture escape from behind the veneer.
Brick lowers utility costs by storing heat, withstands extreme weather, and resists fire. Extreme temperatures and water can damage it. The mortar often needs repair first.
Every spring and fall
100+ years
Step 1: Look for cracked, chipped, or loose bricks. Small cracks or chips aren’t an emergency, but have a professional look at bricks that are deeply cracked, missing, or loose.
Step 2: Check the joints between bricks. If the mortar is loose or crumbling, you should repair (repoint) it.
Step 3: Remove anything growing on the brick. Moss, lichen, mold, and vines can damage bricks and mortar. Keep shrubs trimmed back at least 6 inches from your walls.
Step 4: Stained or damp bricks may indicate a moisture problem. Check for a weep screed or weep holes along the base of the wall and make sure the holes are clear. If you’re concerned, contact an environmental testing professional to do a moisture test.
Step 5: Check for cracked or flaking (spalling) bricks and missing mortar. If mortar is loose or crumbling, repair it. While minor cracks in the bricks and mortar are okay, bricks cracked all the way through or “step pattern” cracks need professional inspection.