The short answer
Find the Water Source
Start by looking above and around the brick wall. Check gutters, downspouts, and roof valleys for leaks or overflows that dump water directly onto the brick. Look at the ground slope, too. If soil or concrete slopes toward the wall, rain will pool there and soak in.
Sprinklers and hose bibs are another common cause. Water hitting the wall for minutes at a time can saturate brick, especially if the wall is old or already cracked. Move sprinklers away from the wall, and fix any leaking hose connections. You want water to fall at least a few feet from the brick surface.
Repair Cracks and Mortar
Cracks in brick and crumbling mortar let water enter quickly. Inspect the wall on a dry day, looking for gaps wider than a hairline. Small cracks can be filled with a flexible masonry caulk, while larger damaged areas may need repointing, where a pro removes old mortar and replaces it with fresh material.
Do not use regular paint or a non-breathable sealer on brick. Brick needs to release moisture vapor from inside the wall. Sealing it tightly traps water behind the coating, which can cause spalling, where the brick face flakes off. If you are unsure how deep the damage goes, a local water damage pro can inspect the wall and tell you what needs repair.
- Check gutters and downspouts for clogs or leaks
- Make sure the ground slopes away from the wall
- Move sprinklers so they do not hit the brick
- Fill hairline cracks with flexible masonry caulk
- Repoint crumbling mortar joints on a dry day
- Keep mulch or soil at least six inches below the brick line
Apply a Breathable Water Repellent
After the wall is dry and repaired, you can apply a breathable water repellent. These products are made for masonry and allow moisture vapor to escape while stopping liquid water from soaking in. They come as liquids you roll or spray onto the brick surface.
Read the product label carefully, because application methods differ. Some repellents need a completely dry wall and a stretch of dry weather. Others require two coats. Test a small, hidden area first to see how the brick looks after treatment. Water should bead up and run off instead of darkening the surface.
Manage Interior Dampness
If the brick wall is inside a basement or crawlspace, the water may be coming from the ground below, not from rain. Check for efflorescence, a white powdery salt deposit, which points to ongoing moisture moving through the brick. A dehumidifier can help reduce indoor humidity, but it will not fix a real leak.
Look at the interior side of the wall for damp spots, mold, or a musty smell. If you find them, the water is moving through the brick from outside, or a pipe behind the wall is leaking. A local water damage pro can use moisture meters to trace the source. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
When to Call the Pros
You can handle simple maintenance like cleaning gutters and moving sprinklers on your own. But if brick is spalling, mortar is crumbly, or water keeps coming back after you fix the obvious sources, bring in a professional. They can assess the whole wall and the surrounding drainage.
The pros may use tools like moisture meters and borescopes to see inside the wall without tearing it apart. They can also check the crawlspace and attic for hidden leaks. The cost depends on the size of the wall and the extent of the damage, so ask for details before any work begins.
- Spalling, where the brick face flakes off
- Crumbly or missing mortar between bricks
- Efflorescence or white salt stains on the surface
- Damp spots or mold on the interior side of the wall
- Standing water near the foundation after rain
Water damage does not wait
Phones are answered 24/7 for Layton and nearby communities.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
Can I paint brick to keep water out?
Painting brick with regular paint is usually a bad idea. Paint traps moisture inside the wall, which can lead to spalling and bigger damage. Use a breathable masonry water repellent instead. It lets the brick release vapor while stopping liquid water from soaking in.
How do I know if my brick is already water damaged?
Look for white salt stains, flaking or crumbling brick faces, and soft or missing mortar. Interior signs include damp patches, mold, or a musty smell on the wall. If you see any of these, the brick has been taking in water, and you should fix the source before sealing it.
Will a water repellent stop all moisture problems?
No. A water repellent only helps with liquid water on the surface. It will not stop water coming from a leaky pipe, a high water table, or groundwater. Fix the source first, then apply the repellent. If moisture continues, have a pro inspect the wall for hidden issues.