A common question that many homeowners ask is if it is necessary to seal exposed bricks. If some parts of your house are made of bricks or you want to have an exposed brick wall, then you must have considered different opinions on how to protect the bricks from damage. Having exposed bricks for the interior or exterior of the house is appealing, but how can you protect and maintain the appearance of the bricks? Let us learn more about this below.
Is brick sealing necessary? Sealing bricks is necessary. Brick is strong and durable, but water can still seep through the material. Take note that bricks are porous and can absorb water. Over the years, water absorption can cause decay and damage to the bricks. Sealing the bricks will protect them against water damage and also reduce the growth of moss between the bricks.
Why is it important to seal bricks? What is brick sealing? Do interior bricks need to be sealed? What are the different types of brick sealers? These are some of the questions that we will discuss. Check out the rest of this article for more information about brick sealing.
What is Brick Sealing?
Brick sealing is the process of sealing exposed bricks. During the process, the outer layer of the bricks is sealed with the use of a sealant. By sealing the brick, it becomes protected from damage that can be caused by the environment and other elements as well. Furthermore, brick sealing protects the bricks from fading out, crumbling, being consumed by weeds, and molding. If you have bricks on the exterior of your house, you must seal them to prevent staining and fading. We have also shared this article that discusses what exposed brick is. You can check out the article for an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Why is it Important to Seal Bricks?
Sealing bricks is important to protect them from water damage, fungal growth, and moisture. Take note that bricks are porous which means that water and moisture can easily seep through the pores of the bricks. Over time, this can damage the bricks and cause them to crumble and become uneven. To prevent this, you need to seal any exposed bricks that you have in your home. Let us learn more about the importance of sealing bricks below.
Water Damage
If you do not seal bricks, they are prone to water damage. Water can compromise the integrity of bricks. Prolonged exposure to water can cause the bricks to crumble and decay. Bear in mind that bricks are porous. While it is tough and durable, water can cause it to get damaged. Water that enters and remains in the bricks can cause the bricks to expand. As a result, bricks began to crack and crumble. If this is not prevented, corrosion can happen which can damage the structure of your house and put people in danger.
Fungal Growth
Another issue that you might encounter when you do not seal bricks is fungal growth. When there is an adequate source of water, mold can grow on the surface of the bricks. While this issue is not as dangerous as water damage, molds on bricks can also cause the structure to weaken. Moreover, molds can be a health threat especially to those who have mold allergies.
Moisture
Moisture and water damage can cause bricks to weaken. It can also endanger the integrity, appearance, and durability of your home. Fortunately, you can prevent moisture from damaging the brick by applying a high-quality sealer. By applying a sealer, water and moisture will no longer penetrate the surface of the bricks and any droplets of water will simply bounce off.
Types of Brick Sealers
There are different types that you can choose from. Some sealers sit on the top of the bricks while others are being absorbed by the material. Before choosing a sealer, make sure that you understand the different types of sealers available so that you can opt for the one that you need. Penetrating sealers are the type of sealers that are applied on the surface of the bricks. They eventually seep through the porous material and prevent water from seeping through the pores. These types of sealers provide internal protection to the bricks and are not visible.
On the other hand, there are types of sealers that sit on the top of the bricks and create a waterproof layer. These types of sealers come with a dry, hard, and durable finish. They are also clear, so you can be able to see the original color of the brick. However, some types can dry and leave a shiny, matte, or glossy coating.
✅ Video – How to Properly Seal a Brick Wall
Christopher Darden shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses how to properly seal a brick wall. Sealing a brick wall is necessary to protect it from damage and also to make it last longer. Watch the video below for more information and a demonstration of how to seal a brick wall.
Pros of Sealing Bricks
Sealing bricks can protect its appearance, make it durable and last longer, and protect it from all kinds of weather. It is important to seal bricks especially if it is found on the exterior part of your property. Learn more about the pros of sealing bricks below.
Maintain its Appearance
Sealing the bricks will maintain their appearance and also give them a shiny coating. The sealant can effectively block harmful UV rays and prevents the bricks from fading. Aside from making the colors of the bricks stand out, sealants also help eliminate stains, dirt, fungal growth, and mold. You can also check out this article titled, does exposed brick look good? We have shared ideas and tips on how exposed bricks can make the room more appealing.
Makes it Durable and Last Longer
Another advantage that you can get from sealing bricks is that it makes them durable and lasts longer. Applying a high-quality sealant will help protect the bricks from damages that can be caused by moisture and humidity. Furthermore, it prevents weeds from growing between the bricks.
Protects them from Weather
Sealing the bricks can protect them from various weather conditions like rain, snow, and heat. Water that seeps into the bricks can cause cracks and lead to decay. Sealants will effectively fill the pores and repel water.
How Long will a Brick Sealant Last?
How long a brick sealant lasts will have to depend on the type of product that you use as well as the weather and environmental conditions that the bricks are exposed to. Usually, brick sealers can last about seven to ten years. Afterward, you need to reapply the sealant. By applying a high-quality sealant to the bricks, it provides waterproofing.
Is Sealing Bricks Important?
Sealing bricks is important to protect them from damages and to make them last for a long time. Take note that bricks are porous materials that can easily absorb water and moisture. Over time, it can crack and get damaged. To prevent this from happening, you can apply a brick sealer. If you have exterior bricks that are exposed to wet conditions, it is important to seal them.
How Long Does a Brick Sealer Take to Dry?
How long a brick sealer takes to dry will have to depend on the product that you are using as well as the weather conditions. Some sealers can dry in just four hours while others take twelve hours to completely dry. However, it is recommended that you leave the sealer to dry for at least 48 hours.
Does Interior Brick Need to be Sealed?
It is recommended that you seal exterior bricks. It will help protect them from moisture and humidity. This is especially if the bricks are located in your bathroom which has a moist and humid environment. You can seal the bricks by yourself. There is a wide array of sealants that you can choose from. You can also check out this article that discusses if you can have exposed brick in a bathroom. We have shared the pros and cons of brick walls in bathrooms.
Is Waterproofing Brickwork a Good Idea?
Waterproofing your bricks is a good idea because it helps solve any issues about water and moisture. If the bricks are exposed to a water source, they can seep inside the bricks and cause damage. Over time, your bricks will start to decay and become uneven.
How Often Do You Need to Seal Bricks?
The usual maintenance cycle when it comes to sealing bricks is every five years. Of course, this will have to depend on the type of product that you use. Take note that you need to use the same sealant or one that is compatible with the previous sealant that you use when you reapply. Using a sealant that is not compatible with the previous one can trigger a chemical reaction.
How Much Does it Cost to Seal Brick?
The cost of sealing the bricks can range from .19 cents to 12 dollars per square. This will have to depend on the type of brick that you have and the sealer that is used. If you decide to hire a contractor to do the job, the cost can be a bit expensive.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed if brick sealing is necessary. We have found out that sealing bricks is important to protect them from getting damaged. Brick is porous and water can easily get inside which can cause cracks, mold, and fungal growth. This can be a big problem in the long run as it can cause the brick to decay and crumble. Hence, make sure that you seal interior and exterior bricks on your property. Thank you for reading!