Hello

I am working on a renovation project.

We are turning 3 historic commercial buildings into a concert hall.

My question is this.

We would like to leave the brick on the exterior walls exposed for the aesthetic effect, but we are located in Michigan, and are worried about heat loss as well as water damage related to temperature change.

Ideally we would like to leave the brick walls (which are 3 courses thick) exposed on both sides.

What recommendations do you have?

Can we cover the brick with something that has a similar aesthetic feel? What would that be?

Is there a sealer, or paint-like product that might work?

Thanks for any comments/advice.

Only ones who can answer this are your commercial code enforcement people in Detroit.

You have issues with this structure being possibly exempted from many commercial codes if you maintain or achieve 'historical' classification.

Your state's energy codes would also need to be examined to see how you would need to comply.

You required answers are beyond the scope of this residential forum.