Brick may seem durable and tough; after all, when you think of old cities, don’t you think of brick buildings and cobblestone lined streets? However, water can wreak havoc on brick, whether it is part of a walkway, driveway, home front or interior. Without proper sealant, brick can be very porous, absorbing water like a sponge, and over time, water can cause damage such as crumbling, cracking, moss growth and more. To prevent future damage and keep your brick looking beautiful, you will want to apply masonry sealer to the area.
Why Apply Masonry Sealer
You may wonder what the point of a masonry sealer is for your brick and stonework. Brick and stone were some of the earliest building materials, and remnants of hundred-year-old buildings can still be seen today. Isn’t brick pretty durable?
Elements like water can be deceptive in their strength. Over time, even something as durable as brick and stone can be worn away by the elements. While it may be strong, brick is also porous, which allows the material to absorb water. Over time, as water is absorbed, it may cause the brick or stone to corrode, crack or crumble.
Additionally, water creates a favorable environment for mold and fungus. Mold likes to take root on hard surfaces like brick, especially where there is a regular flow of water, like runoff on a driveway. The spores of mold and fungus can weaken the structure, as well as ruin the aesthetic of the brick area.
If the brick is an integral part of your home, such as a chimney structure, water damage can put the integrity and longevity of your home in jeopardy. Adding a layer of sealant and regularly caring for the brickwork can make all the difference to protect your bricks and stone, as well as your home.
Preparing for Masonry Sealing
It is important to prep the area you plan to seal before applying the product. Just like with any paint or sealer, if the workspace is not clean, it will be harder for the sealer to stick and may have gaps in coverage when you are finished. The pores of the brick must be open and free to allow the sealer to fully penetrate the brick.
To start, remove any old, flaking paint with a paint scraper. Pull away any shrubbery, weeds, vines or other greenery to clear the area, making sure grass is trimmed back away from the brick. Sweep or rake dirt, rocks and other debris off the surface if it’s a place such as a walkway.
Clean areas with mildew or moss, using a mild cleaner and scrub brush.
You can also use a power washer to clean the brick or stone. Start spraying from the top or on the highest part of the brick, moving in a steady, sweeping motion downward. If you use water to clean the brick, allow it to completely dry before moving forward with sealing.
Applying Masonry Sealers
The process of applying masonry sealer is fairly simple; all you will need is a high-quality sealer product and a low-pressure sprayer.
As with applying any product on your home or walkway, you will want to cover any plants, decks, railings or walls that you do not want to apply the sealer to using drop clothes, plastic and painters tape.
Fill the pump sprayers with the sealant and spray on the masonry work, using steady, even motions. If you notice runs or drips, use a paint roller or brush to immediately spread these out.
Do not allow the sealer to pool up anywhere.
After covering the full brickwork, allow the sealer to dry completely before applying a second coat.
Be aware of the time of day when you apply sealant products. Brick and stone pores often close up at temperatures below 45 degrees, so sealer will not absorb if it is too cold much like wood absorbing stain. Spring and early summer are usually the best time to apply sealers, so the temperatures of the masonry are between 60 and 90 degrees.
Also, ensure your brickwork has time to dry before potential rain or dew. Check the weather forecasts and be aware of humidity levels before starting your project.
Finding the Right Sealant for the Job
If you are searching for the right products to apply sealant to masonry work, contact the team at Lovitt’s Coating. We are able to help you find the correct masonry sealant and sprayers, as well as other supplies for applying coating products and professional advice to get the job done right.
3 Comments
Mark Michaud
I own a high end interior finishing service in Aspen, CO and CT. I am looking to expand or even become more specialized in my service. Please forward any printed materials you may have as I need to become more knowledgeable of your quality offerings. MARK and associates, 18 Cottage Street, Groton, CT 06340 970-366-1998
Michael Whalen
Mark, A great place to start is with our sample kits! Each kit comes with product literature and 4 oz of each color in wet samples and is a good way to become familiar with our products. Thanks for contacting us!
Thomas
HOW I FINALLY JOIN THE ILLUMINATI BROTHERHOOD Here is Email>> [email protected] or Text on WhatsApp>> +1 (618) 408-3958? or call +1 (618) 408-3958 Hello...I'm here to share my testimony on how I finally join the Illuminati hood, I tried all my possible best to become a member of the hood but I was scam several times, before a friend of mine that always give me money because he was very rich, one day he said he is not going to give me fish that he is going to teach me how to fish, so I was very happy, I never new he was a member of Illuminati in all my life will have spend together! so i was initiated to the Illuminati hood, I receive $2,000,000,00 instantly in my Bank Account for me to start a new life and today am so happy to say to the world that am one of the richest and am also known all over the world with the business given to me by the Illuminati and also have power to do that which I want.. Are you a politician, business man/woman, musical artiste, student, footballer or whatever occupation you do you want to be rich, powerful and famous in life. Illuminati can grant all your heart desire join the Illuminati to become rich and famous in life, Illuminati we make you achieve your dream to become rich and protect you all the days of your life....I know so many people may be on my lane also looking for help .Here is Email>> [email protected] or Text on WhatsApp>> +1 (618) 408-3958? or call +1 (618) 408-3958 You can get in touch with him and become successful in life.