What are the humidity problems related to masonry?

Learn more about the humidity problems that can affect brick and masonry. Call us today for more information.

Humidity: one of the worst enemies of brick, masonry and natural stone buildings!

We’d all like the exterior walls of our home or business to be unaffected by the elements and humidity, and to stand the test of time without the need for costly repairs. Alas, it’s not uncommon for you to have to consider repairs to your brick and stone walls due to humidity.

What are the main humidity problems associated with masonry?

• Water infiltration through joints : Joints between bricks or masonry blocks can become entry points for water due to cracks, gaps or degradation of the jointing material. This can lead to water leaks inside the building, especially in wet weather. Water infiltration can cause major problems, such as frost boil, which, if neglected, can lead to wall collapse.
• Capillarity: Bricks and masonry blocks tend to absorb water by capillary action from the surrounding soil. This water absorption can lead to rising humidity inside walls, which can damage interior finishes and promote mold growth.
• Efflorescence: When water penetrates bricks or masonry blocks and evaporates at the surface, it can leave behind mineral salts, creating white deposits known as efflorescence. This can affect the aesthetic appearance of walls and indicate humidity problems.
• Mold and fungi: Excessive humidity in brick or masonry walls can promote the growth of mold, mildew and fungus. These organisms can damage building materials, cause unpleasant odours and pose health risks to occupants.
• Mortar degradation: Prolonged exposure to humidity can lead to degradation of the mortar used to bind bricks or masonry blocks. This can weaken the structure and require repairs to restore the integrity of the masonry.

How can I prevent humidity problems related to masonry?

• Regular inspection: Regular inspection of masonry for signs of damage, cracks, mortar deterioration, efflorescence or any other humidity-related problem helps to identify problems and solve them more quickly.
• Mortar repointing: Joints between bricks or masonry blocks can become entry points for water if they are damaged, cracked or degraded. It’s essential to have them repaired by the Restaure-Action team to prevent water infiltration.
• Sealing surfaces: Applying sealants or waterproof coatings to exposed masonry surfaces creates a barrier against water and humidity.
• Effective drainage: It’s important to ensure that drainage systems around the building, such as gutters, downspouts and French drains, function properly and keep water away from the foundation and masonry walls.
• Adequate ventilation: Ensure that interior spaces are properly ventilated to remove accumulated humidity and reduce the risk of condensation inside masonry walls.
• Regular maintenance: Use a specialized masonry company to perform regular masonry maintenance, or even have an annual maintenance plan, which includes cleaning surfaces, repairing cracks and reapplying sealants or waterproof coatings as required.

About Restaure-Action

Composed of qualified professionals dedicated to specialized masonry work, our team has a combined experience of over 60 years. We have all the qualifications and skills needed to remedy your masonry humidity problems, with our full range of services. We can carry out these repairs in both the residential sector (houses, apartment buildings, townhouses, duplexes and triplexes) and the commercial sector (commercial spaces, warehouses, historic buildings, etc.). 

Any questions?

If you have any questions about humidity problems related to masonry, our other masonry services or to request a free estimate, we invite you to contact us. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible. We travel to many parts of the city of Montreal to offer our residential and commercial masonry services.