Case 1

Remedial (see also Remedial)

Find the source of water ingress, stop further water ingress using methods such as sealing, injection, impregnation (see Remedial). Establish the point where water penetrates beyond the tile and stop the water passage either by replacing the defective tile or by grouting the movement joint again. Epoxy injection may be the solution in lieu of removal and replacement. Apply silicone-based waterproof coating on the entire external wall (application of colourless water-repellent solutions to the wall where it is desired to retain its original appearance).

Repointing the mortar

Re-pointing joints with missing or deteriorated mortar is the proper method of reestablishing the wall’s surface continuity. If the brick wall surface is too deteriorated, to provide adequate protection against penetration, it will not provide a firm, sound surface to which a coating can adhere. Any coating applied over an unsound surface will be subject to rapid deterioration.

Surface coatings

The use of vapour-impermeable coatings on bricks coatings on brick masonry will almost certainly create problems. A continuous, unbroken membrane must be established for the coating to be effective if any moisture should enter the wall through openings in the membrane, or from other sources, it will be trapped behind the membrane. This trapped moisture may lead to all the standard problems associated with water in the walls. Thus the application of popular cementitious coatings or silicones is not recommended.

Paints, stains, oils may be used on brick masonry if they are vapor-impermeable, so thus enabling any water vapor that enters the wall to escape through them. While providing a uniform appearance, paint coatings may hide deterioration in the brickwork until peeling paint eventually reveals it.

Pressure grouting

Pressure grouting with structural adhesives is one method of repairing cracks in brick walls that are not cavity walls, but it is a sophisticated technique that requires close professional supervision. Grouting will restore structural integrity and prevent water penetration. Before this work is performed, every attempt should be made to determine that no large voids or cavities exist inside the wall and that the crack determination has been made, a temporary seal is applied to the crack, and injection ports are inserted at regular intervals. Adhesive is then injected into the ports. The adhesive used is often a clear, two-component, compatible epoxy resin compound.

Mortar Repair