Taking care of the bricks once the building is finished.
While most bricks are strong and need little to no maintenance the building contractor may have overlooked a small yet important step in ensuring the longevity of the building or the reaction of the brick to the current set of circumstances is not as expected.
Expansion and contraction of bricks, related to temperature changes
Moisture penetration will also cause bricks to expand
Efflorescence may also only become visible once the structure is built.
Staining of brick - This could happen as a result of surroundings or because of the complimentary building materials, such as gutters or metal supports which may rust or leave chemical deposits
These conditions would have been taken into account by the engineers during the design phase of the structure and the selection of building materials. In certain instances expansion joints need to be included in the design of the structure.
In certain instances expansion joints need to be included in the design of the structure. But you would not know this unless you have done your homework and are abreast of the different techniques and requirements that are necessary to ensure the quality of your build.
You would also need to liaise and be in constant contact with your building contractor.
The advantages of using clay brick are discussed elsewhere on this site, and have been the topic of many a discussion, so selecting clay-brick as your building material of choice would have been the most natural choice, but some of these properties bear repeating
The natural appearance of brick provides aesthetic benefits and also allows the building to blend more easily into its surroundings.
Bricks display high levels of compressive strength making them the first choice for building
Bricks themselves will help to retard a fire as a result of the inherent fire resistant characteristics of brick
The biggest benefit to consider when selecting building materials is the thermal properties of brick. This property of brick will result in energy savings as well as a decrease in the carbon footprint over a period.
Durability is a benefit of clay brick that has proven its worth over time.
A major advantage of using bricks is the durability and low maintenance aspect. That being said – regular inspections and maintenance can extend the life of the brickwork in buildings.
If your home or building is in a very shaded area, watch out for moss, milder, or mould growing on the walls. If you do find some, clean it with bleach solution applied with a scrub brush (with synthetic, not steel, bristles).
If you see the brick on the outside of the building is turning white, this is a sign of water leakage. The white substance is from minerals in the brick or mortar that leaching out. While this happens normally in a new building if it was built in wet conditions, it is a cause for concern in an older building or home, or if it starts suddenly. If this happens, it should be looked at by a professional.
It is not necessary to rebuild in most cases, unless the condition of the wall has deteriorated to such an extent that is has become a danger to the occupants of the building.
Any stains on the wall should first be identified before and action to remove them is attempted. Proper removal techniques should be used where stains are removable in order to prevent further staining.
If the bricks have become broken as a result of moisture damage, or expansion related issues, it will be necessary to remove and replace them.