How to fix moisture & staining on brick wall?

ErikaLoz

Hi everyone, im looking for advise on a moisture problem affecting brick wall. I’m in Stamps (Victoria). Garden bed with mulch/plants is right up against my brick wall. Weep holes are about 20 bricks above soil, but the lower courses stay damp and have green/black staining — likely from soil moisture and splashback.

Looking for advice on:

• Best way to clean without damaging mortar.
• Breathable sealer recommendations for Melbourne climate.
• Whether a gravel strip against the wall will help with moisture & clay movement.

Anyone tackled this before?

JacobZ

Hi @ErikaLoz,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Firstly, I would start by giving the bricks a clean with this 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner with Rapid Hose End Technology. Give the bottle a shake, connect your hose and then spray it on the bricks. Keep the surface wet with the product for 10 minutes, then agitate the surface with a broom before rinsing off with clean water.

Once clean and dry, you can apply two coats of Crommelin Natural Finish Penetrating Sealer And Water Repellent, which is a breathable sealer that is suitable for use on clay bricks. This will help prevent further issues with algal growth and other staining. You can apply the sealer using a roller with a Concrete And Paving Roller Cover. When the first coat is touch-dry, you can apply the second.

A gravel strip against the wall would help with drainage, but as the issue is more from splashing, then it wouldn't have much too much of an effect. It couldn't hurt, but it is not going to solve the splashing. If you were having pooling issues, adding a french drain that discharges elsewhere would be worthwhile. Check out How to install garden drainage for some guidance.  

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob