How to Seal Brick Veneer

Brick veneer will last a lifetime with just a little care.

Brick veneer is an affordable way to bring the classic look of brick to your house. With a little preparation and maintenance, it can keep its attractive appearance for many years in all climates. One of the major drawbacks to brick veneer is its porosity, or its tendency to absorb water. This can lead to mold on the wood framing beneath the brick veneer or white stains on the brick, known as efflorescence. To prevent moisture from damaging your home's exterior, you can seal brick veneer using a commercially-available sealant.

Things You'll Need

• Solvent-resistant gloves
• Safety goggles
• Sealant
• Paint sprayer
• Lacquer thinner

Instructions

1. Clean the brick veneer with fresh water and a brush to remove surface debris. Turn off any garden sprinklers that could spray on the brick veneer. Wait at least 24 hours, until the brick veneer is completely dry, before continuing.

2. Pour a small quantity of sealant into the sprayer reservoir. Cap the sealant container immediately to prevent drying, evaporation or contamination.

3. Spray a liberal coat of sealant over a small test patch of brick veneer. The goal is to saturate the area in one or two coats, rather than to build up thin layers of light sprays.

4. Wait three hours. Test the sealant with a drop of water. If the water absorbs into the brick veneer, darkening the surface, you must apply a thicker coat or additional coats.

5. Spray the remainder of the brick veneer with a thick, event coat of sealant. If you must apply a second coat, wait at least three hours.

6. Clean the paint sprayer with lacquer thinner to avoid clogging.

Tips & Warnings

• You should only apply sealant when the weather is within a certain temperature and humidity range, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. Check the sealant container label for specific weather conditions. Do not apply the sealant if there is a chance of rain within the following three days.

• Avoid touching the sealant with bare skin and inhaling the fumes. Follow all safety warnings on the sealant container.

• Sealants may contain chemicals that are flammable or combustible. Do not smoke or use near open flames.

References

• U.S. Department of Energy: Moisture Issues in Homes with Brick Veneer
• Aldon Chemical Corporation: How to Clean, Seal, and Restore Clay Building Brick and Thin Brick Veneer
• Aldon Chemical Corporation: S-B-S Sealer
• Healthy House Institute: Moisture Control and Brick Veneer
• Ask the Builder: Brick and Masonry Water Repellents
• John Bridge: Brick Veneer