What Is Brick Spalling?

Nothing conveys timelessness quite like a brick house, and whether you choose a classic red or a cool, smoky gray, a well-maintained brick exterior can last for generations. But despite its durability, brick isn’t indestructible. Exposure to rain and snow eventually takes its toll, resulting in spalling brick, which can appear as unsightly crumbling, peeling or powdering.

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What Is Spalling Brick?

Spalling brick is the damage that occurs when moisture infiltrates masonry over long periods of time. In colder climates, this trapped moisture freezes and thaws, causing the brick's surface to crumble or break away. If the deterioration progresses, it can weaken nearby bricks, ruining your home's curb appeal and causing widespread structural damage or health issues, such as mold.

What Does Spalling Damage Look Like?

Spalled brick may have a rough or uneven surface with missing chunks. Depending on the level of deterioration, spalling may also manifest as:

• Chipping

• Cracking

• Peeling

• Flaking

• Crumbling

• Chalkiness

However, the look and severity of spalling depend largely on the type of brick and mortar used. Softer, low-quality bricks tend to flake or crumble, whereas hard, modern bricks may spall in larger chunks or sheets. Dense bricks, which are typically laid using rigid mortars that can trap moisture, often show spalling in corners or along edges

What Causes Spalling Brickwork?

Spalling typically happens when water infiltrates a brick or is trapped between the brick and mortar. Over time, as water repeatedly freezes and thaws, it causes cracks, crumbling and flaking of the masonry.

Other factors that contribute to spalling include:

• Incompatible mortar

• Improper installation

• Exposure to salt

• Power-washing

• Old age

• Climate

• Improper sealing or unsuitable sealants

Is Brick Flaking the Same as Spalling?

Brick surface flaking is a common type of spalling in which thin pieces of the surface peel away from the body of the brick. Flaking may occur in small chunks or in sheets.

Early Warning Signs of Brick Deterioration

Signs of moisture in and around bricks are often an early indicator that spalling may occur. This may include damp masonry, moss growth, or efflorescence, a chalky white powder, caused by dissolved salts, that can indicate moisture intrusion.

Other red flags include:

• Rust stains

• Mold and mildew

• Cracked or missing mortar

• Water stains below windows

• Small pieces of dislodged brick on the ground around your home

If brick deterioration has begun, you may see hairline cracks or pitting. Deteriorating bricks typically also feel soft or crumbly to the touch.

Pay special attention to areas that stay wet for extended periods, freeze in winter or have greater exposure to the elements, such as:

• Chimneys

• Stairs

• Shady areas

• Spaces beneath eaves or gutters

• Bricks at soil level

• Areas behind trees or shrubbery

• Outdoor kitchens

• Areas near downspouts

What Are the Signs of Advanced Spalling?

Advanced spalling can affect your home's structure and should be addressed immediately. Warning signs of major brick deterioration include:

• Stair-step cracking patterns

• Severely recessed mortar joints

• Masonry that sounds hollow when tapped

• Structural deformation such as bowing, sagging or bulging walls

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How Often Should You Inspect Brick for Spalling?

Early detection is key to minimizing brick spalling repair costs. The Brick Industry Association recommends performing a visual inspection each season. To perform a thorough inspection:

• Use binoculars to view inaccessible areas

• Examine joints for cracked or missing mortar

• Cut back ivy and other plant growth

• Check for dark spots and stains

• Make sure bricks are properly aligned

In addition to the visual inspection, run your fingers gently over the surface of the bricks. If they crumble or powder, you may have a problem.

Can Spalling Be Repaired?

Often, mild spalling only requires surface patching and resealing. However, if the damage is extensive, repairs may involve a larger-scale replacement of the affected brick and mortar.

Although savvy DIYers may want to tackle small repairs, mistakes can actually worsen the damage. A professional mason who specializes in brick masonry repair can help you assess the problem and recommend the appropriate next steps to minimize further damage.

How Can You Stop Brick Spalling?

To protect your home from brick spalling, keep your exterior well-maintained and prevent moisture intrusion by regularly clearing out gutters and downspouts and directing runoff away from your home. You can also reduce the risk of brick spalling by applying a breathable masonry sealer to protect the material from moisture.