Customer Service: Maintenance Tips Brick Maintenance General Information Bricks are made from clay and other materials that are formed into shapes and then fired in a kiln to make them strong and durable. Care & Cleaning Brick fronts and chimneys generally require little maintenance for many years if installed correctly. In time, chimney tops may need to be re-plastered and some joints may need repairs at window ledges and other horizontal surfaces. Sealing of surfaces when dry will prolong the life of the brick and mortar as well as inhibit possible leaking. White Efflorescence White efflorescence is a water-soluble salt that is brought to the surface of masonry by evaporation of either construction water or of rainwater that has penetrated the wall. Water used in mortar, grout, etc. will sometimes cause this "New Building Bloom," as it is called. As the wall dries out, and as successive rains wash the wall, the "Bloom" should disappear. If the masonry has received its regular cleaning and white efflorescence appears or reappears, no further action should be taken until the wall has had an opportunity to dry out completely. Application of additional cleaning solutions may only aggravate the problem at this point. Also, application of clear waterproofing materials at this time may lock in moisture and crystalline growth, causing more scumming and possible spalling of brick. If efflorescence stains persist, it is likely that rainwater is penetrating the wall. An inspection of the stained areas should be made to determine if sizeable cracks or openings exist, permitting water penetration. Faulty flashing or lack of flashing will contribute to staining. Any large openings should be repaired. If fine hairline cracks are assumed to be allowing water penetration, a clear waterproofing application may be the only solution to the problem short of a complete tuckpointing job. Before applying waterproofing materials, all possible repairs should be made and all efflorescence should be removed. This may be removed by applying plain water and brushing the affected area. If water fails to remove stain, use a diluted solution of commercial compounds such as Sure Klean 600 for red brick and Sure Klean Vanatrol for all others. Allow entire wall to dry out completely (over a period of little or no rainfall) before applying waterproofing solutions.