Key takeaways
- Spalling is the brick face flaking off.
- Water and freezing are the usual cause.
- Hard mortar and paint can make it worse.
- Replace the damaged units and fix the cause.
What spalling is
Spalling is when the outer face of a brick breaks away in flakes or chunks. Water enters the brick, freezes and expands, and the surface pops off. It can also be caused by salt, hard mortar that forces the brick to take all the movement and coatings that trap moisture inside the wall.
Occasional spalling on very old, soft brick can be normal. Widespread spalling is a sign something is wrong.
What to do
Find the water source first: roof or gutter leaks, splash-back from the ground, failed joints or a coating that traps moisture. Fix the cause, then cut out and replace the badly damaged bricks with matching units and the right mortar.
Never fill spalled areas with a patching compound; it rarely lasts.
Preventing it
Keep gutters working, soil sloped away from the wall, joints sound and mortar compatible with the brick. If you need a sealer, choose a breathable one. Do not paint brick unless you accept the maintenance.
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Quick answers
Is spalling brick a structural problem?
Not usually, but it shows water is damaging the wall. If many bricks are affected or the wall bulges, have it inspected.
Can I just paint over spalled brick?
Painting over spalled brick traps moisture and tends to make it worse. Repair first.
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