How to Prevent Water Penetration in Brick Masonry Walls?

Water penetration into brick masonry walls leads to several problems such as efflorescence, mortar
joint deterioration, interior moisture damages and spalling. Methods to prevent water penetration
into masonry walls are discussed.
When brick wall masonry structure experiences one or more issues related to water penetration,
then it would be required to not only eliminate the source of water ingression but also deal with the
deteriorated region of the wall.

Fig.1: Water Penetrates Masonry Wall Fig.2: Water Penetrates Masonry Wall

Methods to Prevent Water Penetration in Brick Masonry Walls

Maintenance techniques for elimination of moisture penetration are as follows:

o Replacement of sealant of joints in masonry wall

o Grouting of mortar joints
o Tuck pointing mortar joints
o Ivy removal
o Opening weep holes
o Replacement of deteriorated masonry walls
o Installation of damp proof course
o Installation of flashing

Replacement of Sealant of Joints in Masonry Wall

When sealants at expansion joints and between brick masonry wall and other elements such as
door frames and windows are damaged, then water would easily penetrates the wall though these
areas in which sealants are deteriorated.
So, it is recommended to regularly inspect brick masonry wall to find out whether the sealant is
sound, falling out of their position, or deteriorated.
If the joint sealant is damaged or falling off its position, then new sealant should be installed to
prevent moisture penetration.
Figure 3 shows deteriorated sealant between framing window and brick masonry in figure (A), the
joint repaired though the placement of new sealant in (B).

Fig.3: (A) Deteriorated Sealant Between Brick Masonry and Framing Wind, (B) New Sealant Installed

Grouting of Mortar Joints in Masonry Walls

Mortar joints suffers from hairline cracks and hence water could penetrate the brick masonry wall
through these cracks. To tackle this problem, it is recommended to apply grouting to seal cracks in
mortar joints.
Initially, mortar joints are wetted to ensure good bond between mortar and applied grout, then the
grout is applied to the mortar surface using strong fiber brush to force grouting into the cracks.

Tuck Pointing Mortar Joints

Mortar joint deterioration, softening or initiation of noticeable crack would allow water penetration
into masonry wall. These defects should be repaired to counteract water penetration.
It is recommended to remove damaged mortar from the joint and pour new into the joint. This
process is called tuck pointing.
Tuck pointing should be conducted by skilled and experienced persons to seal the joint adequately
and prevent possible brick damages during mortar removal.
Figure-4 explains tuck pointing mortar joints; (1) Deteriorated mortar joint, (2) Removed damaged
mortar to a uniform depth, (3) Place mortar in thin layers and (4) Apply suitable tool to reach the
original level.

Fig.4: Sequence of Tuck Pointing Mortar Joints

Ivy Removal to Prevent Water Penetration in Masonry Walls
Sometimes ivy may increase the possibility of water penetration into masonry walls especially in
the case where ivy shoots penetrate voids in mortar. Therefore, it is necessary to remove ivy to
prevent moisture penetration.
When ivy shoots are removed, they should be cut and removed after drying which may take less
than a month. If mortar joint cracked or damaged in this process, tuck pointing should be applied.

Fig.5: Ivy on Surface of Brick Masonry Wall

Opening Weep Holes in Masonry Walls

Occasionally, water within brick masonry wall does not have proper drain path and consequently
remain inside the wall. This is because the weep holes are poorly spaced or debris have stopped
weep hole to function properly.
This problem can be solved by introducing new weep holes or cleaning weep holes using suitable
means.

Fig.6: Clogged Weep Hole Needs Cleaning in Masonry Wall

Replacement of Deteriorated Masonry Walls

Moisture would ingress into cracked and spalled masonry units. In this case, deteriorated masonry
should be removed and new brick units should be placed.
The process of brick replacement involves the removal of mortars with chisels, break masonry unit,
clean the place of deteriorated masonry unit, wet the surface of brick masonry and finally the brick
will be positioned on its original position and excess mortar will be removed.
 Fig.7: Removal and Placement of Deteriorated Masonry Wall

Installation of Damp Proof Course

Water within masonry wall might move upward to the higher places of the wall. This can be
prevented by installing damp proof course in the masonry walls.
There are two methods for the placement of damp proof course. Firstly, insertion of a chemical
damp proof layer into a masonry wall. Secondly, removing the whole brick course, after that both
damp proof layer and break masonry units are installed.

Installation of Flashing
Flashings may become a source for water penetration into the interior of masonry building if they
are damaged, poorly placed or omitted. This problem cannot be answered unless brick masonry is
removed, new flashing is placed and finally installing new masonry bricks if it is necessary.

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