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How to prevent bricks flaking off?

Hello,

I would like to ask about brick flaking which is observed mainly on the outside walls of my house. Please find the images as attached.
The brick is textured and it seems flaking at random places (even in covered areas, protected from rain, moisture etc). If you touch on the peeled areas, it’s not soft or crumbling but strong. It’s an old house. Is this something that I need to be worried? If yes, any suggestions for improvement. Thank you for your advice.

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EricL

Hello @thomasv855

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your brick wall.

Spalling brick is a common issue where the surface of a brick begins to flake, pit, or peel away. This typically happens due to repeated exposure to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, salt deposits, and even physical impact. While bricks are highly durable and often maintenance-free for decades, certain environmental and structural conditions can accelerate deterioration. Spalling usually starts as tiny cracks, which gradually expand into larger crevices, eventually causing sections of the brick face to crumble and break away from the body of the masonry.

Beyond moisture exposure, several other factors can contribute to spalling. Using improper mortar, which may not flex with the natural expansion and contraction of the brick, can lead to surface damage over time. Inadequate insulation can also allow moisture to accumulate behind the masonry, increasing the risk of spalling. Non-breathable masonry sealants, instead of protecting the bricks, can sometimes trap moisture inside, worsening the problem. High-pressure cleaning, while effective for general maintenance, can strip away the hardened outer layer of the bricks, making them more vulnerable to weathering. Over time, normal wear and tear, temperature fluctuations, and accidental impacts can also contribute to brick degradation.

Spalling is most commonly seen in areas where moisture gets trapped, such as around leaky windows, damaged chimneys, doors, and stairs. Similar issues can occur when masonry expands and contracts due to temperature changes, leading to loosened bricks and gaps in the mortar. Once these openings form, they allow water to penetrate deeper into the structure, accelerating deterioration.

Although it is possible to repair spalled bricks using masonry patching products, the new material will likely not match the original brick in colour or texture.

For minor spalling, a breathable masonry sealant can help prevent further damage. However, if the deterioration is extensive, consulting a professional bricklayer is advisable to assess whether the bricks need to be replaced entirely.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

thomasv855

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48012#Comment_48012

Hi EricL,

Thank you very much for the detailed response, Eric.

Tom

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86059#Comment_86059

Hi @thomasv855,

Can I check if you have seen pieces falling off the bricks? As far as I'm aware, this style of brick is manufactured like that and doesn't have a smooth surface. There is variation between bricks, with some having more texture than others. These don't look to be bricks that have suffered damage to me; they look to be bricks that are manufactured as such. It's a quite popular distressed surface look from the 70's through to the late 80's, which I believe is unique to this type of brick.

As long as any chips or pieces that come off are hard and the brick beneath is hard, I don't think you have anything to worry about. In the firing process, slivers of the brick can splinter off but still be attached. If pieces have come off, that is likely a side-effect of the firing process and not an indication they are deteriorating.

They are sometimes called tumbled clinkers, and a fun fact, the dark spots are effectively glass. It's minerals in the clay that are melted in the kiln. My family home had them, and they looked exactly like yours. I'll add a picture below of some that look similar.

Let me tag @Nailbag for his thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

thomasv855

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/108340#Comment_108340

Hi @ MitchellMc,

Well, It's a house built in 1987 and I bought it over recently. I haven't seen any fallen chips or broken pieces after I moved in but the appearance of the brick was a bit worrying to me.
The bricks over entire house is like this with some bricks have more texture (visually its like flaking or peeling like in the last picture I shared). Its everywhere and not concentrated in any specific areas of the house. If I touch on those flaked like areas in the brick, its hard as rock and no further peeling observed. Thank you for the pictures you shared and its a huge relief. Really appreciated, Thank you very much.

Regards,

Tom

Nailbag

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121450#Comment_121450

Hi @thomasv855

That style of brick is as @MitchellMc mentioned is a modern version of a rolled/tumbled brick that was more common in the 80's - 90's in a red finish over your more orange one with the volcanic stone inlays. Its the combination of the tumble finish and the inlay that can cause small area to break away over the years. Have peace of mind this is only a cosmetic condition and not a structural one.

Nailbag

thomasv855

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129691#Comment_129691

Thank you @Nailbag and thank you all.:)

Nailbag

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134875#Comment_134875

Your very welcome @thomasv855

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