Greetings,

I was wondering if there happened to be any brick preservatives on the market? I guess one could say an epoxy coating would protect the brick from the elements. However, I'm looking for something that is semi-permeable (spelling?) I.E., a coating that would keep that water out, but at the same time let the brick breath to prevent freezing water from destroying them. Any help?

God Bless,
Gerald Kopiasz, President
Heartland Railroad Historical Society

hrrhs@aol.com

You might want to talk to the people at Thompson's or Armor-All about the suitability of their "water seal" products. The packaging suggests it is suitable for concrete and brick, as well as wood.

Gerald,
There are a number of post construction applications which can be used.
If you don't mind me asking, what is the situation? The age of the structure might be important to what type of solution you use. Older bricks and mortar have different compositions from new masonry construction. If you haven't discussed this with an architect or a brick mason, I would strongly suggest that you do. As you might guess, it is possible to apply the wrong sealant to a masonry wall and actually damage the brick and mortar.
W.R.Grace Co. or Sonneborn, Inc, are both companies which make fine products which you might find useful but without knowing your exact situation it is hard to suggest what you might do.
K.A.Hughes
Registered Architect
State of Indiana
No.AR19600155



kenta@ameritech.net

Your on the right track Gerald, you DO NOT want a "waterproofer". Water can build up behind your sealer, and take off the sealer along with whatever brick it was adhered to.
Without seeing the brick, it's hard to diagnose, but most in the preservation community would recommend a siloxane water repellant coating IF you must coat.
If you are getting water through the wall, though, there's prob. more to it than a surface coating can solve. Look at the condition of the mortar, does the wall need repointing? Cracks? Is water getting in through the top of the wall through the coping? Is it wicking up from the ground, leaving a "tide line" some distance up from the ground? Do you have a bunch of salmons (underfired brick)? Email me off list if you like, I'll try to help. Might have a look at the Park Service Presrvation Briefs on the link below as well.

National Park Service Preservation Briefs
rudd@cogdellmendrala.com