Upper Bleeding Brickwork

In the realm of UK construction, there’s a predicament often termed as “Upper Bleeding Brickwork.” The scenario occurs when efflorescence or salting is apparent in brickwork, causing degradation and impacts the aesthetic appeal of the structure. The usual culprit for this is water intrusion, which can occur due to a number of factors such as rains, faulty pipes, or even poor construction methods. The water interacts with the salts present within the bricks and mortar, dragging them to the surface where they crystallise, leaving unsightly stains.

The corrosive nature of these salts can slowly degrade the brickwork, leading to crumbling or “spalling” bricks. In instances where the problem is ignored, the structural integrity of the building plummet. As a matter of course, prevention is always better than a cure, and designing brickwork that effectively repels water is the foremost strategy in avoiding this issue. This can be achieved by including adequate damp proofing during construction, preserving a good-quality mortar mix, and ensuring the use of properly burned, hard bricks.

There are several remediation practices for upper bleeding brickwork already in place. A typical solution is the combination of expert brick repointing and utilising chemical cleaners specifically designed to dissolve the salts. However, these repairs are only temporary if the source of the water intrusion is not appropriately addressed. Therefore, it’s crucial to identify and rectify these issues promptly to prevent recurrence. A comprehensive inspection by a skilled mason may be required to diagnose the root cause and propose repair plans accurately. Typically, these might involve physical barriers such as drip edges or cavity trays, or even chemical water repellants.

We conduct our business with honesty and transparency, building trust with our clients and partners.

We embrace innovation in design and construction techniques, staying at the forefront of the industry.

Your satisfaction is our priority. We work closely with you to understand your needs and deliver solutions that surpass expectations.