Bricks come from clay and shale, some of the earth's most plentiful materials. They absorb humidity better than any other building material and minimize the chances of mold, mildew, and dust mites.
Typically, brick can absorb a tremendous amount of moisture. Masons are well aware of this fact, and they create weep holes and air vents through which the brick can release the moisture back into the atmosphere, mainly when directly heated up by the sun.
I recommend covering over the brick with a hydraulic lime stucco. Hydraulic lime “consumes” the moisture in the brick wall and uses it as part of the curing process.
Only old homes in the US are brick. Brick fell out of favor for single family home construction decades ago due to the cost of materials and labor. While you may find homes in the Eastern US that are 150 to 200 years old and made of brick, there are few homes in California older that 150 years old.
Brick houses can last at least 100 years with minimal maintenance. With regular care and attention, including mortar repointing, brick houses can last 500 years or more.
Brick, with its durability, fire resistance, thermal insulation, and soundproofing capabilities, offers several advantages. However, it also has drawbacks such as higher initial costs, structural limitations, limited design options, and longer construction timelines.
The porous nature of brick and concrete materials means that water will enter the walls. The things that can cause damage are the amount of water that is able to collect inside the walls, where that water collects, and how long it remains in the walls before exiting.
Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces. Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants.
As we have established any bricks are prone to water ingress, which will eventually lead to damp, damage and will reduce you homes kerb appeal. So a clear, waterproof treatment that will prevent this moisture without changing the appearance of your bare brick would sound like a good idea.
Water Damage
One of the main issues with brick is the damage that can be done with water. Brick and the mortar in between are heavily permeated so water can flow in and out easily. This is why it's important to never paint brick- paint will trap the water inside causing internal damage.
Brick Can Lower Your Insurance Cost
Homes that have brick typically cost less to insure than a wood-framed house. Why? For the reasons we discussed above, such as wind resistance, fire resistance, and less damage from termites.
Although building with brick is undoubtedly more expensive at the outset, the average resale value of a brick home is at least 6% higher than those constructed of other materials. Brick homes also appreciate in value more than those with vinyl siding.
Brick buildings have excellent thermal mass. Thermal mass is the ability of a heavy, dense material to store heat and then slowly release it. This means it is cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
One of the main causes for damp bricks is having a damp proof course (DPC) that is damaged. A damp proof course is used to stop the damp rising up from the ground and affecting the lower areas of the wall. If your DPC is not working properly then your property is vulnerable to issues with rising damp.
Set the thermostat to a consistent temperature, even at 78°F, to keep humidity levels in check. Invest in a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are designed to extract excess moisture from the air. Place one in areas like bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms for best results.
While air purifiers do not remove moisture from the air, the movement of air can increase evaporation from surfaces in a room–including your skin and mucous membranes. This increased evaporation can make the air feel drier than it is.
To remove the standing water from your home, you need a device that will soak up the water and put it elsewhere. This is what a sump pump does. There are two types: pedestal sump pumps and submersible sump pumps.
Some potential reasons for a house being too humid include humid conditions outdoors, activities like washing dishes or showering, plumbing leaks, insufficient insulation, moist soil under the home, poor ventilation, and an AC unit that is too large.
Brick Sealant Might Actually Hurt Your Bricks
In some cases, sealing brick does more harm than good. The pores in the bricks and mortar allow any moisture within the bricks to escape and evaporate. If the brick is sealed, that moisture has nowhere to go.
Porous Bricks
The more it rains, the more water permeates brickwork. Damp patches on interior walls increase in size during periods of heavy rain. The best way to treat penetrating damp is to apply a water-repellent treatment like Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream to halt further dampness and allow walls to dry out.
High labor costs, time-consuming installation, and repair difficulty are just a few reasons why builders and homeowners are opting for other materials.
The porous nature of bricks can trap moisture, and when combined with dirt and organic material, it creates conditions where mold and mildew can thrive.
While brick homes offer a low-maintenance lifestyle, they are not completely devoid of maintenance requirements. Over time, brick homes may require costly repairs and replacements, as well as regular maintenance of the mortar. Hence, you should budget for these potential expenses when considering a brick home.