Brickwork & Render

Brickwork

A feature found in some bricks is a white powder-like substance that forms on the face of the brick. This substance is called efflorescence and is caused when water salts are drawn from inside the brick itself when there is a high moisture content in the air over a limited time. A stiff brush is the most effective means of removal. This is not a defect.

Brickwork Weep holes

Weep holes are vertical openings between bricks usually located above and below windows and doors and at floor level on the external face brickwork of the home. Weep holes serve the function of removing water that may penetrate through the bricks and mortar in heavy rain conditions.

Weep holes must be kept clear at all times and must not be filled or sealed over.

When landscaping the home, ensure that soil or concrete paths are below the bottom of the weep holes. Regular inspections of weep holes are necessary. You must ensure that soil build-up or garden landscaping does not hinder their function and avoid any moisture being contained in the wall cavity.

Brickwork Repairs

In the event that brickwork or mortar may need to be removed from parts of the home for repairs it is possible that mortar colour variations can occur when replacing these bricks. Hairline cracks may appear in the mortar of the brickwork. These cracks may be visible during extreme weather changes, for example prolonged dry spells or wet spells. It may be necessary to monitor these cracks, as when normal season conditions return these cracks may not be visible.

Rendering

Rendering needs to be cleaned regularly to stop build-up of dirt or grime, which can affect the appearance of your home. There are ways of reducing the effects of these changing conditions to maintain an attractive appearance, simply by spraying lightly with a hose or using an extendable soft brush connected to a hose. Render can suffer the effects of fading due to extreme weather conditions, especially to the west and north facing walls.

Caring for your walls — External

Changing weather conditions will always affect the appearance of your home, but there are ways to reduce the damage and the work you have to do to maintain an attractive appearance. You should always wash the paintwork at least twice a year using a hose and a soft brush or sponge. Neglect can result in build-up of dust and grime and this will cause pitting of the paint, which can lead to peeling, especially to areas such as the inside and underside of gutters and spouting and, if installed, the underside of the eaves.

When using a hose, be careful not to spray under areas that may cause water to enter the home. Dark colours absorb heat more readily than light colours. Too much heat can cause external doors to buckle. So, check whether changing the colour of your external doors affects your warranty from the manufacturer.