Tim Hance of All Islands Home Inspections shares a video of moss/organic growth at a masonry chimney and discusses why it’s important to take care of (expensive-to-replace) masonry elements.
Tag Archives: brick
Efflorescence for Inspectors
by Nick Gromicko and Ben Gromicko, InterNACHI
Efflorescence is the white chalky powder that you might find on the surface of a concrete or brick wall. It can be a cosmetic issue, or it can be an indication of moisture intrusion that could lead to major structural and indoor air quality issues. A home inspector should understand what efflorescence is in order to recognize potential moisture problems.
YOUR BRICK HOME MIGHT BE SAFE FROM THE BIG BAD WOLF—BUT HOW ABOUT THE RAIN?
Your brick (veneer) house may be able to stand up to the “Big Bad Wolf,” but can it stand up to a Western Washington weather?
If you own a home that features brick or brick veneer, water intrusion may seem unlikely, but it’s most definitely not. Both solid brick and brick veneer homes are not waterproof, and care must be taken to protect these elements.
With that in mind, I recently came across an Anacortes home with brick veneer experiencing deterioration. Unfortunately, some of its exterior walls featured spalling mortar and bricks chipping in various areas. To help combat these issues, I always recommend applying a masonry sealant to repel water and prevent future elevated moisture. Freezing conditions—common here in the Pacific Northwest—combined with moisture can lead to brick surfaces that flake and create “soft spots” in the mortar.
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