Cleaning / Sealing Bricks on Exposed Gable Side
Discussion
Hi All
One side of the house (gable side) is rather exposed to the elements. There is no neighbouring property that gives any sort of shelter. So it takes the sunrise on it, lots of heat, any blowing rain, etc.
The other side is much more sheltered with a neighbouring property providing a bit more shelter.
The exposed side brickwork is noticeably worse than the non-exposed side.
I hope it's not in a position of needing a full repointing, as that is time consuming and costly work. However, I am looking at whether it worth a cleaning of some sort, maybe a biocide (there is a bit of green-ish stuff on the brickwork), and then perhaps some sealing to give it some longevity (UV protection and some water resistance). Happy to DIY but maybe, given the height it needs some equipment like long lances or poles.
Any suggestions appreciated. Some photos below though not that close up so I question their utility.
One side of the house (gable side) is rather exposed to the elements. There is no neighbouring property that gives any sort of shelter. So it takes the sunrise on it, lots of heat, any blowing rain, etc.
The other side is much more sheltered with a neighbouring property providing a bit more shelter.
The exposed side brickwork is noticeably worse than the non-exposed side.
I hope it's not in a position of needing a full repointing, as that is time consuming and costly work. However, I am looking at whether it worth a cleaning of some sort, maybe a biocide (there is a bit of green-ish stuff on the brickwork), and then perhaps some sealing to give it some longevity (UV protection and some water resistance). Happy to DIY but maybe, given the height it needs some equipment like long lances or poles.
Any suggestions appreciated. Some photos below though not that close up so I question their utility.
Yeah, that looks generally in good condition to me.
While you have scaffold access you could repoint any areas that need it and possibly replace any spalled bricks, but it doesn’t appear to need any significant work.
If the green bothers you (I can’t really see much) then a biocide wash won’t do any harm, but there is no need for an UV protection - bricks are inherently robust.
Likewise there should be no need for any water resistant seal unless you have a specific issue with damp - in which case I’d want to know why, because a (relatively) modern cavity wall is generally a very good way of keeping water out of buildings.
If it’s performing adequately, then there is no need to seal it, in fact I’d say by sealing it you are increasing the risk of moisture becoming trapped in the brickwork and leading to spalling/frost damage.
While you have scaffold access you could repoint any areas that need it and possibly replace any spalled bricks, but it doesn’t appear to need any significant work.
If the green bothers you (I can’t really see much) then a biocide wash won’t do any harm, but there is no need for an UV protection - bricks are inherently robust.
Likewise there should be no need for any water resistant seal unless you have a specific issue with damp - in which case I’d want to know why, because a (relatively) modern cavity wall is generally a very good way of keeping water out of buildings.
If it’s performing adequately, then there is no need to seal it, in fact I’d say by sealing it you are increasing the risk of moisture becoming trapped in the brickwork and leading to spalling/frost damage.
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