Lanham Construction is specialized in many masonry maintenance tasks.
Brick building exteriors are stylistically versatile, as they could add either a historical or contemporary feel and aesthetic to your building. The material is energy-efficient, sturdy, and can positively impact the building’s resale value. Although they’re extremely long-lasting, brick structures do require a bit of maintenance and care to help ensure structural integrity. Much like other things in your home, like your plumbing system or HVAC units, maintenance is essential and required to make sure your home is in good shape. Read on for a few tips to help you preserve your residential and commercial units through masonry!
Cleaning Bricks
The very starting point of your brick maintenance routine should include rinsing the exterior brick of your building. Use a garden hose with strong spray nozzles to remove any lodged dirt in spots with limited direct sunlight, and check for any mildew or moss. Shaded, moist areas allow for vegetation to thrive and can help contribute to excess moisture. For removal. Mix up one cup of bleach with a gallon of water, then scrub with a bristled brush. If possible, don’t use a wire brush as it could leave behind metal residue that might cause discoloration and rust.
Spot Check the Bricks for Water Damage
For bricks, water damage typically has two root causes, rinsing dampness and splashback. Splashback happens when rain beats on bricks continually beat on bricks, finding its way into grooves and cracks and settling into these crevices. Rising damp occurs once the groundwater rises and leaves what is usually referred to as a tide line. Although the groundwater level will slowly rise and fall over time, the salt contained in the moisture might remain in the brick, which causes deterioration. It is highly recommended to look for any signs of water damage yearly and seek restoration services if you need them. Lanham Construction is specialized in many masonry maintenance tasks, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Tuckpointing Bricks
Tuckpointing is the process of filling in any mortar joints that might have become weak, cracked, and damaged in some way. The damaged mortar is then removed first, and the fresh mortar is applied in excess in a layered process. Layering involves applying a fresh layer of mortar, which should be two times the overall width of the old mortar, to the damaged surfaces, so it will not hold up on its own.
Lanham Construction For All Your Construction Needs
Lanham Construction is an award-winning and dependable construction company dedicated to serving your home or business with whichever construction project you have in mind. Our professional team is eager to serve customers all throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. When you pick Lanham, you won’t ever have to worry about the process. We’re here to help with every step of the way.
For more information on how we can help, visit our website or give us a call at 301-459-7545!