perfecting the craft of
Historic Preservation
FAQ
Why does masonry deteriorate?
The 2 primary reasons for masonry deterioration in California are moisture and earthquakes. Earthquakes shake and dislodge masonry units leaving cracks and gaps and destabilizing the structure. Moisture, in the form of rainfall (yes it does rain in S. Cal) then penetrates to the interior of the masonry veneer and causes rust of the steel anchors and reinforcing. While this is most common reason for failure there are other reasons as well.
What is spalling?
Spalling is the chipping or flaking off of the masonry surface. This is often caused by moisture escaping from the backside of the masonry and/or the rusting of internal steel components and anchors.
Why should I clean my building?
In addition to the obvious aesthetic appeal of a clean building facade, cleaning a masonry structure can extend the life the building. When soiling and atmospheric pollutants are allowed to build up on the surface they can trap harmful acidi components which accelerate the decay of some types of masonry.
Should I sandblast brick or other masonry to clean the surface?
NO! Sandblasting opens the pores of the masonry by breaking down the outer layer of material and thereby allowing moisture to penetrate the material and causing new problems. Additionally, it destroys the original look of the masonry veneer material.
Should I apply a sealer to my building?
While water repellent applications can be extremely useful in rendering masonry highly resistant to moisture penetration, the use on some materials, such as brick, is not necessarily beneficial. Other materials, such as cast stone, are greatly aided by the use of water repellants and sealers because they have internal steel anchors that require protection from rusting.