How to seal brick wall from outside?

PhoenixClose1

After the heavy rains we had in Melbourne several days ago (the one that lasted hours), I noticed water seeping through the garage brick wall (single brick wall).  From what I can see, it's not water coming from the top because some of the mortar above is dry. Rather it seems to have come in through the mortar. 

(I am a bit puzzled why it has not happened before though).  I inspected the outside and saw some holes in the mortar. Maybe that's how water seeps through. I will first fill them in with Mortafill or mortar and observe.

I was thinking I might also paint a transparent shield outside to prevent water from seeping in through the brick wall / mortar.

Included is a photo of what the bricks look like outside.

1) It seem either of these two products should work? Which is the more proper choice? What's the difference?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/crommelin-6l-natural-finish-penetrating-sealer-and-water-repellent_p0356895

https://www.bunnings.com.au/crommelin-4l-water-based-brick-and-render-sealer_p0960095

2) Do I paint just the mortar or also the bricks?

  

Ordinarily I'd be concerned about trapping moisture in the brick but since I'm not sealing the inside of the brick that should be fine as moisture can escape through the inside?

3) Do I seal the whole wall or save money by sealing only the sections where there has been water seeping through?

Thanks

 

MitchellMc

Hi @PhoenixClose1,

It’s great that you’ve identified the likely source of the water seepage. The first step is to fill any visible holes or areas where mortar is missing using Mortafil or fresh mortar and a coloured oxide. This is important because water may be entering through these weak points. Once patched, monitor the wall during the next heavy rain to see if the issue persists. Additionally, your image shows substantial cracks above the door. Even if these cracks are not directly linked to the current leak, it’s best to address them to prevent future problems.

Focus your repairs on the mortar at the top of the wet area, as it’s likely the source of the leak. You can count the bricks up and across the wall from the wet area inside to pinpoint the corresponding area outside. If the repairs resolve the issue, you can then decide whether to seal just the mortar or both the mortar and bricks. I recommend filling the mortar initially, as sealing over it too soon could make future repairs more difficult. Seal the whole wall only if you find the issue persists or if you want additional long-term protection. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell