I recently had my brick house painted and now am getting what appears to be spalling of the brick all over the house. The painting company says it is not there problem. Does anyone know of this problem and how I can fix it.
My experience has been that this happens when you apply a coating that won't let moisture pass through it. Wrong coating, too thick, many layers of coating. Any of these could cause the moisture to get trapped until the vapor pressure gets high enough. Then it either lifts the coating or blows the face off of the brick. Especially older, softer varieties of brick.
Posts: 216 | Location: Annville, PA | Registered: 03 July 2006
You have trapped water behind the brick. This will only get worse over time until the paint fails or is removed. I suggest that you find someone that Soda Blasts and have them clean the brick and remove the paint. You will never get all the paint off but enough can be removed to stop the spalling. Once paint is removed you need to get a vapor permable paint. One in which will allow moisture to travel through. Go to a good quality paint store, not the big box ones as they have no idea of what you need. You may also find additional information and suggestions at www.bia.org
Posts: 991 | Location: New Jersey | Registered: 31 January 2006